I like a 26 in barrel better than a 28 in for most uses. I keep one on my 12 gauge 870 and Ithaca 87's most of the time. I sometimes use my 20/21 in deer barrels [I have the screw in choke tube type]. also.
Frankly, for grouse I much prefer a 20 gauge. I recommend you try one.
I have a 25 in barrel on one of my 20 ga Ithaca UL's and I prefer it to any other setup.
