Help measuring AK barrel.

[Ninjapilot]

So I'm trying to figure out the exact length of my barrel (or as close as I can get) to have peace of mind regarding the 16 in requirement. My question is, can I measure to the END of the muzzle or do I have to remove the muzzle to measure? I'm having a hard time removing the muzzle. Seems it is frozen on the barrel. I know about the small piece you have to press for muzzle removal but still cannot get it off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh and please don't put links to the DOJ's requirements as I'm confused as it is and wanted to ask you guys since you have probably been into firearms way longer than I have.

[johnyreb]

Bolt closed, and run a dowel down the barrel till it hits the bolt face. Mark it at the end if your muzzle....not muzzle device, unless its perm attached.

Measure end of dowel to the mark and your done.

[kcstott]

One do you also know that the muzzle device is left hand threads. That means righty loosey.

As for your barrel measurement, do as johnyreb said. The reason for this is all the different way barrels mate to actions and the difference in breach faces.
It real easy on a single shot rifle or shotgun as the barrel length is the over all length of the barrel. This changes as the breach faces are different on differing styles and types of action. So the DOJ actually came up with a very simple way to measure all barrels the same way. Again just as Johnyreb said Dowel or rod to bolt face and you're done.

[Ninjapilot]

Bolt closed, and run a dowel down the barrel till it hits the bolt face. Mark it at the end if your muzzle....not muzzle device, unless its perm attached.

Measure end of dowel to the mark and your done.

What do you mean "muzzle device"? So it sounds like the muzzle has to be off if it is not permanently attached? Or either way I can include the whole muzzle/flash suppressor into the measuring?

I have done the "stick" measuring with bolt closed and it came to around 18in but to THE END and including the muzzle/flash suppressor.

[Alex$]

Unless the "muzzle/flash surpressor" you mentioned is permanently attached, take it off to measure. As KC mentioned, righty loosey, the threads are opposite.