When did the increased desirability of longer barrels begin & why is that so?

[todd allen]

A "new gun" always improves one's shooting. At least that's what we tell our wives ;-)

[J. A. EARLY]

Based on how tall the guns are in my safe, the 30" guns are no longer than the semi-autos with 26" barrels. Due to the semi-autos having the vent rib plus the top of the receiver, I believe both have about the same amount of sighting plane. Thus a 30" or 32" double is easily adjusted to if one grew up on hunting with semi-automatics. A 26" double on say doves would not feel the same. Just my two cents.