Find the gun that fits you for the money you want to spend. Follow your gut on what you want. If you want an O/U, an auto isn't going to scratch that itch. If you want 26" barrels, get 26". I have 26" & 28" barreled shotguns. Why? The Browning Lightning Sporting Clays was on clearance at GM. It came with 28" barrels.(For the price I paid,the barrel lengthdidn'tmatter) The B Rizzini 20 gauge upland has 28" barrels. Why? Because it was used, and when I saw the english stock and beautiful wood, I had to have it.Now, my Ruger Red Label has 26" barrels and an english stock. I recently bought it used because it was exactly what I wanted for a late season grouse gun. (26" because it's thick where I hunt. My concern about swing is that I don't hit anything, not that it's not smooth or whippy) Go with your gut. If after reading some of these posts, your gut changes, then follow that! After you shoot your 26" O/U for a month or 2, you may get an itch for an auto....or sxs....or pump.........GoodLuck!