I use 25" barreled guns to shoot driven game in the UK. I have heard the argument that longer barrels help to maintain swing many times. For this to be true, longer barrels must be slower in starting to swing through a bird. I like the fast handling that short barrels give me and I have not experienced any problems with hitting both high pheasants or fast partridges. Short barreled guns are usually lighter to carry when walking to your peg, this helps to get you settled before the drive starts.