I started out with a 26" BSS, too, for ducks. But, soon found that I liked the 30" much better. Whoever is in a blind with me likes long barrels better than short ones, too. I have never found the BSS guns to be clunky or unbalanced, but we each have our own preferences. They don't handle like a 6# English game gun, but I'm glad they don't. I shoot much better with a gun that is somewhat weight forward. My 30" BSS is also my go to sporting clays comp gun, if vintage guns are not required.
Mine handles plenty lively enough to catch woodies screaming into a hole in the predawn moments. That, and teal, are the ultimate test of handling for duck guns, for me. I went three for three with it last hunt. Also used it for blue wings back during the teal season to good effect.
Stan,
One day we must meet up. I have on more than one occasion considered sending my BSS to my stocker doctor in Nfld. to get it shaved down a bit and rebalanced. I expect the balance and handling of a BSS and most other guns as well depends a lot on the physical proportions of the man behind the gun.
I almost always shoot my waterfowl in a field from a lay down blind and I find I am very fast at getting on target with a 26' over a 28 or 30" barrelled gun. But I do contend that a 30" barrel is much better handling AND SAFER when used in our blinds as the muzzle will always be pointed outside the blind.
