I have an optima with the 26 inch barrel. I love it so far. for the money its a great gun and it kills just as well as an expensive one. Took 2 deer with it this year. I shoot powerbelts and 100gr of pyrodex. I think the 29 in barrel is supposed to add range to the gun by stabalizing the bullet more with more spin. Plus i have been told that it is more likely to burn all of the powder in a magnum load instead of shoot some out of the barrel. Mine is very accurate out to 150 and i didnt try it past that because i was short on ammo. the gun is also super easy to clean, especally compared to the ole hawkin. In my opinion the gun is a great value.