A lot of hunters go with "feel", which is hard to measure. And as with the various clay target games, the "feel" you want from a field gun can vary depending on what and how you hunt. Waterfowl hunters like heavier guns with longer barrels. Grouse and woodcock hunters prefer lighter guns with barrels no longer than 28", with some liking even shorter barrels.
Preferences also seem to change. Mostly as a result of sporting clays (where barrels as long as 34" are used), the longer barrel trend seems to have crept into other games . . . like skeet. When I first started shooting skeet, now almost 50 years ago, 26" barrels were extremely popular. Not so much any more. At least not with those who are serious competitors.
