Back to the original question.I would think that the ideal barrel length would be 30".I have used 32" for more than twenty years and have never found any disadvantage except for walked up gameshooting, where I think we all would agree that is a little too long.I do know a number of Trap shooters who after trying 32" barrels have gone back to 30" especially Olympic trap shooters, who felt that 30" is more manageable.At the end of the day it is what suits you and how your gun balances between the hands.Semi-auto's are inherently long due to the receiver length, I don't think you would want a 32" or 34" barrel stuck on the end of one of those.I don't think I would like to shoot my 32" MK38 if I was in a hot spot on Norfolk Partridges.I am sure that if Perrazi or Berreta wanted to move 30" barrels and gave George & Richard guns, we would soon change to similar length barrels.