Shorter barrels are for those who primarily hunt in the timber. Shorter barrel = easier to swing in brush......! If you hunt field edges, prairies a 28" barrel shouldn't be a problem. If you don't mind paying for a shorter barrel more power to you, but a 28" (being a little on the heavy side to carry around all day) but should do the job just fine, and could be used as a multi purpose gun waterfowl/turkey.