For my typical hunting loads (80 - 100 gr) I can see no advantage to a barrel over 26", and even a few inches less isn't a real disadvantage. If you are using 150 gr charges there would probably be a velocity gain, but in most cases an accuracy loss. The velocity gain is usually minimal, and the accuracy loss can be dramatic. I've owned onlya couple rifles that would shootreally heavy charges (130 - 150 gr) with anything close to acceptable accuracy, and dropping back to 110 - 120 gr really improved groups with not too much of a drop in velocity.