I have the older style Wolverine II in .50 caliber. It has the 22" barrel. The only real difference between the 22" and the 26" is the sighting plane and the ability to burn powder more complete. If your going to scope this rifle then the extra barrel length means nothing.

This last thing, burning powder better, is really not an issue with me because I shoot 80-100 grains of powder, so both rifle will do a complete burn with that amount. If you wanted to shoot 130 grains of powder then the longer barrel is an advantage. Most of the loads you will work up are going to be in the 80-110 grains of powder range.

If your shots are 100 yards and under then the extra barrel means nothing. The wolverine is a real workhorse of a rifle. They are well balanced and shoot excellent. If the longer barrel was not too much more in cost, I would get the extra length...

Personally I would go with the .50 caliber over the .45 caliber but if all you were going to hunt is deer it might not really make that much of a difference. Elk on the other hand, many states do not allow .45 calibers on such animals...

Another option right now is, Cabela's is selling a Knight American which if you put it next to a wolverine you will have a hard time telling them apart, in .50 caliber, for $89.99