In tight cover I problably put first priority on (lighter) weight, and after that I am somewhat ambivalent about barrel length. Most of my deep woods stuff has been done with 26-28 bbls. If the discussion turns to the dynamics of short vs long barrels, there is a point just before my eyes glaze over where I will admit that in fifty years I cannot remember a single instance in the grouse woods that allowed me the luxury of a conscious swing. Egad! Sounds like spot-shooting, doesn't it?