Yeah I love it so far, love that Inhertia system, makes for easy cleaning and great for cold weather shooting. Ishoot in a winter trap league and skeethere in Western NYand give a little chuckle every time my buddies Moss 500jams up or won't chamber his second shell. I was looking for the 26" barrel option too. I shoot a lot of skeet and the reciever on that gun is pretty long too. I know it stands taller than my 870 with the 28'' on it, but like you said make due with what ya got.