My Knight Disc is a Pre97 which has the short 22"bbl.It shoots well. With the shorter barrel you loose some velocity. Not enough to concern me.I like the shorter barrel especially walking through a thicket.I agree you do have a little better sight plane as Cayugad pointed out.Since I use it for hunting it serves it purpose well.If I wanted it for punching holes in paper,yes I would go with the longer barrel.In Ga during Primitive Weapons season we can't use a scope,so I've never mounted a scope on it.I'm sure with a scope the 22"bbl will do just about anything the longer 26" will do.

Ruger Redhawk