Question on legal barrel length

[svg4]

I was given a short Mossberg shotgun with a pistol grip. My question is, how do you measure the barrel to make sure it is the 18". It looks to me that this is 18.5". I would appreciate to know that it is legal. Thanks

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[BillM]

With the action closed, drop a wooden dowel, cleaning rod, whatever down the
muzzle until it contacts the face of the breechblock. Mark the measuring stick
at the muzzle. Remove, and measure from the end to the mark.

18" is minimum barrel length, 26" is minimum overall length on a shotgun.

 

[the4thshake]

You look to be correct.

 

[svg4]

Thank you both!

 

[mjbskwim]

The dowel trick will put the measurement right where you have the tape now.
So looks like you have a half inch to spare

 

[pioneer461]

I'd recommend 18 1/2 inches, so there can be no doubt. Just in case the ATF's measuring tape is different than yours.