I know this there are many differing opinions on this subject. I know that the sight radius is better with a longer barrel, and I know that speed in swing is better with a shorter barrel. I am just getting into BPCR so I have lots of questions so please bare with me. I have found great rifles with everything from 28" to 34" barrels. I had kind of figured on sticking with something in the 30" range to get started with. But man a couple of the guns with 34" barrels are sure good looking rifles. I am looking at mid to long range target shooting and I know that offhand shooting out to a couple hundred yards is part of the shooting, as well as maybe hunting with the rifle..45-70 is the caliber I am starting with and am looking at both Browning BPCRs and Pedersoli 1874 Sharps. So any feed back from you who know better than I would be very great. Thanks