me thinks longer barrels means hunter closer to the bird.
too long barrels in new england grouse woods scare bird if muzzles strike bush branches. with modern powders long barrels are no longer needed.
english lordies like long barrels for smoothness of swing as they shoot half domesticated game birds "over their heads" driven to them by local farmers and their dogs. besides it being a social event it's about as exciting as watching curling in winter olympics.
simple rule is short guys shoot should use "XXV" inch guns and tall guys 32" guns.
