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

[todd allen]

I agree with the above posts, and think the SC shooting has improved my overall gun game, for sure, but no shooting game has improved my field shooting like box birds.
I'm sorry so many had to die, but it was for the greater good ;-)

[Ken]

Many believe that by changing guns, shot, technique, stock length or whatever is going tp greatly improve their shooting. I started with a 28" barrel 63 years ago. I found a great deal on a citori with 26' barrels and found it improved my SC shooting. I bought a 32" 686 but soon traded for a 26' Citori that the retailer said couldn't be used for SC. The best length gun barrel is what works best for you.

[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.