I have Parker (and other make) smaller gauge guns in 30", 28", and 26" and they all are excellent game getters. The shorter barreled Parkers are consistently the best shooting of my 26" guns. I think Parker's tendency for a bit more weight in their guns makes the shorter barreled ones swing better (at least for me), and they balance well "between the hands." Don't shy away from a shorter barreled original gun because of the current popularity of long barrels.

Like Garry ,I have always leaned toward the 26" Barreled guns myself but since I bought the little 20 Gauge V Grade from Mark Ray from our Guns For sale on this site back in Sept. with 28" Barrels I wish I could stretch the barrels on a couple other small bores ! I once owned an OO Framed 30" Barreled DHE ,28 Gauge and hated the way the gun handled with the long barrels and passed it along ,all my hunting buddies thought I went crazy selling it but as much as I loved the idea of owning it ,I did not enjoy carrying it in the field !

I guess I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I've got 20's and 28's in all barrel lengths and seem to gravitate to the 30 and 32 in. guns 90% of the time.

My 30" VHE OO 28 is one of the best handling and shooting guns I own. Different strokes as they say.

I'll take 28" or less for me. Much better handling, quicker but smooth, and much more dynamic in the hands. But, I also prefer a heavier gun than most.

IMO: 28" is just right and hits the sweet spot for most shooting.

I like other barrel lengths as well and have guns wearing everything from 25" to 32", but I gravitate toward the 28" guns time after time and do not consider 28" barrels to be in the short barreled gun category.

Any preference I have for a particular barrel length usually depends on what and where I'll be hunting. I like shorter barrels for the snap shots I get for early season grouse and woodcock, and prefer longer barrels for dove and ducks. For quail, which I hunt more than any other game bird, I use all lengths. If I'm out on the prairie, I generally use the longer barrels (they seem to help me on longer crossing shots), and 28" or 26' inch in some of the tighter covers we hunt.

So, if asked if I prefer 30, 28, or 26 inch barrels, I guess I'd answer "yes.":whistle: This is all a great excuse to have more guns, right?

gun sold for $3750 w/o the 15%
GHE 20 with 26- or 28" damascus barrels? I would suspect the 28" as more were made
I wish I could have made it to the preview it would have been worth the hour drive.

Plus sales tax.

and shipping if your not convenient to the Delmarva area LOL

I only shoot 20's and 28's now. Sold all my 12's. Just love the feel and handling of the smaller gauge Parkers (and Fox's too!) and I'm not getting any younger much to my surprise!