I guess I have disagree about longer barrels not handling as well as shorter barrels. In my opinion,a sporter weight 24" barrel seems to balance best and be the easiest to shoot off-hand on most guns. I have handled many custom big-bores with relatively heavy 24" barrels on Mauser and Model 70 actions. To me, with a proper stock, these big guns point like fine shotguns (although heavy ones). I just bought my wife a Rem. M7; the short, lightweight barrel on that gun handles horribly for me (hard to quickly acquire the target and hard to hold steady off-hand). I guess that's why the manufacturers make all sort of different guns, and men like Charlie will make whatever you want. Everyone's a little different.
