You are going to get a lot of answers because the crux of the question depends on the individuals wants and needs. I hunt mostly thick woods in GA, AL and PA. A shorter barrel is important to me. If I were in AZ where you are shooting in more open country/desert terrain, I would prefer a longer barrel but balance wins overall. My REM600 in 7mm-08 wears a Douglas #1 with a 1.25" shank and is cut at 21 inches with a McMillan EDGE stock. It is light, balanced and shoots well.
