Barrel length has a lot to do with handling, or, it has NOTHING to do with handling. To the average shotgunner a 26" barrel is quicker to bring to bear on a flushing quail or a departing woodcock or grouse. But, that does not HAVE to be so. I have shot a 36" barreled O/U Valmet that was just as quick and weildy as most 30" guns, or in the extreme, some cheaply made 28" guns.
How the barrels are struck (filed and finished to final profile and dimension) has a great deal to do with how a gun "swings" or handles, regardless of length. Other factors such as balance (how heavy the butt end is in comparison to how heavy the barrel end is) contributes to handling as well.
I own and shoot many more long barreled guns (30" to 32") than I do shorter ones. I think they are more elegant, and I tell myself that I like the longer sighting planes better. But, in reality, I shoot a 26" barreled S x S just about as well on sporting clays as I do a 30" one.
Worst thing now is, long barrels are in "fashion" and bring a premium. I'll be glad when the pendulum swings back and short barrels are all the rage. It WILL happen, eventually.
All my best, Stan
