eightbore, I figured it would make sense to cut it to 26" only because it would be somewhat more normal but I suppose the longer I can leave it, the more choke I can preserve. As far as reblacking or rebrowning of the barrels goes, I don't know what the term is for making the barrels end up in a black/white pattern as I've gathered is original (not brown and white). I intend to leave the wood and metal (except the barrels) in their current condition - even if I wanted to fully restore the gun to its former glory, I presently don't have the funds to make that happen.