I considered the length and almost went with a 36 inch barrel instead. But this one, being swamped cut down on the weight and it balances perfect when you hold it just ahead of the trigger guard on the fat part of the wood. Also with my shoulders, I seldom shoot off hand. And I did not buy this with the intention of dragging it through the woods. I just always wanted to own a rifle like this and one day a wild hair ... well you know.