Barrel length helps determine balance. I prefer a 26 on a shotgun. If you like weight forward, you might want a 28 or more.
Just because barrels are longer doesn’t mean the shotgun will be weight forward. Depends on how they are made. There are makers whose 28 inch barrels can weigh less than their 26’s. They will pretty much make want you want within limits..
USA manufacturers are famous for fat barrels..the Brits and Italians not so much.
