I have been using an 870 Express with a 28" barrel. It does get heavy and tends to snag brush when I'm moving, but the worst thing is when you have a perfect spot to sit EXCEPT for that little sapling that you need to move too much to get your barrel around if you have to swing to one side or the other. This year I bought a new-to-me Mossberg 835 with a 20" barrel. It rattled my teeth some during patterning, but I think it will be easier to carry and use in the woods.