i have a 30 inch and its pretty darn heavy for an old man if im walking very far.. after i got a good loads, its plenty accurate.. wind and lighting (type, direction, intensity) on my open sights is the problem, not the barrel lenght.. its a full octagon... im looking into a 74 carbine 5070 for a carry gun. in theory its too light for 50 70, those that ive talked to about it that have shot it says is fine for hunting.. i guess i wont know if its good for my purpous until i shoot one.. dave.