ak-47 length

i noticed on ehere it was posted that the legal minimun for rifles is 26.5 inches. i measured my ak without the stock, and it appears to be almost exactly 26.5 inches, anybody know if i am measuring correctly. i went from the muzzle to the end of the pointy thing that holds the stock on. i really like how it feels without the stock, but i dont want to violate any laws. could anyone tell me how long an ak is without the stock, or should i just leave it on.