Guess what it all boils down to is the old addage, "Different strokes for different folks."
There are many uses for a rifle and, of course, different terrains. And different opinions. If I was trying to carry a rifle in a small space, such as an airplane, I'd probably opt for a short one. But for most all other uses I still prefer a long one. I've hunted all sorts of places and have never felt a long barrel was a problem. Where I live now the pines are about as thick as anywhere and even my 32 in. bbl'd Buffalo Classic isn't a problem.
The statement about a short bbl. not being a hinderance on long-range shots just doesn't hold up. I would agree that if you're shooting game with the .45-70 you shouldn't be shooting over 200 yds. and a short bbl. will work. Velocity isn't the important thing here. Balance and holdability is. In almost any field position a long bbl. will balance better and be steadier to hold. If we are talking true long-distance shooting the longer bbl. makes LOTS of difference. I don't do long-range shooting at game with a .45-70, even though I could, and the caliber is certainly up to it. Range estimation is just too critical. But I shoot a lot of targets and silhouettes at very long range. One range session using aperture sights at a silhouette at a half-mile distant would show you the need for a long sight radius. At our club we have people who shoot at our far target which is 876 yds. away with all sorts of bbl. lengths. Those using 20 & 22 inch bbls. have an almost impossible time getting hits. Those with 26, 28, and up to 32 in. bbls. have a far better average. This has nothing to do with accuracy or velocity. It's purely a matter of being able to shoot better at long ranges with more sight radius.
So, a lot of it depends on what you're trying to do with your rifle. The only advantage to a short bbl. is portability. If that's your priority then you should use a short bbl. If there are other factors that outweigh portability then you need a long bbl.
Even when it comes to carrying a rifle most long guns balance better and are easier to carry. This, too, depends on how the rifle balances though, and weight involved. Two cases in point are one of my .25-06's and my Buffalo Classic. The .25 is a custom rifle. Though it weighs the same as one of my .223's, 7 1/2 lbs., and has a 26 1/2 bbl. it is perfectly balanced and carrys so easily that it's almost unnoticeable. The BC is a half-pound heavier but is also well-balanced and can be carried all day with ease. And when it comes time to shoot neither of them is at all hard to hold steady. They both settle right down and shoot like they had radar. So, almost always, I'll grab a long gun.
