As already pointed out, 18" is the LEGAL length for a shotgun barrel. I always prefer to go over that length, as for the most part, on a vent rib barrel, the rib posts are very seldom at 18" anyways. I cut one of my vent rib 870 barrels back last week, and the closest rib made the finish length 18 3/4" and I'm perfectly fine with that!
And if anyone is interested, I charge $20 to cut-off and face-off a shotgun barrel in the lathe, so the muzzle is cut perfectly square with the bore...
And if anyone is interested, I charge $20 to cut-off and face-off a shotgun barrel in the lathe, so the muzzle is cut perfectly square with the bore...