If your shots are limited to 100-120 yards or less the two of you side by side would probably never know the difference. As etothepii said, the longer barrel will allow a little more powder to burn in your rifle compared to the one he is considering. That would make a little more pressure for the projectile. I have read that anything over 120 grains of loose powder in most rifles is wasted because it all does not get a chance to burn. I have not tested that theory. I have a Black Diamond XR with the 26" barrel. Some day I will have to load it and see how much comes out the end unburned. Besides, most rifles do not shoot good with a maximum charge anyway.