26 is my favorite length also that's what I'd get. I've uses 18,21,24,26,28,and30 inch barrels and the 26 is what I use most often Now. I say pay the price get what ya want. Look at brownells and midway also check local gunships for the barrel. Another thing you could do is find a used Remington 870 express with a 26 inch barrel can sometimes getta used one for 175-200 I think that's what I'd do.