i read some years ago that the optimum barrel length for a 12 guage is 21". said that anything after that actually slowed the shot down because of the drag of the barrel against the shot load. said that the long barrel/long range deal was a myth. i'm glad this question got asked. is there anyone out there that can answer it for sure? some years ago i bought an 1100 special field, remington. it has a 21 1/2" full choke barrel and straight grip, instead of a pistol grip. quickest quail gun i've ever seen and the range seems to be as good as anything i've ever had. what the article said was that long barrels in shotguns don't neccesarilly mean long range, like they do with rifles. with rifles it's pretty much sealed until the bullet leaves the barrel, but with a shotgun there is a fair amount of gas escapes through and around the shot and wad and from the action itself, especially in an auto. anyway, someone enlighten us.