I have hunted in a lot of thick forest. The long barrel is not a hinderance. I will take less muzzle blast and more velocity every time. The “need” for a short barrel is nothing but the perception of the user. If it makes you feel good, then use a short one.
Actually just the opposite IMO. The need for a longer barrel and extra 100fps is nothing but perception. A 140 AB running 2700, or 120 BT runing 2925 are both killing machines.
