Hey guys, I appreciate all the feedback that's been offered here - but as the OP, please, there's no need for mudslinging or turning this thread into a standoff between those who like their shotguns tactical and those who dont; as time's already told, both are legitimate preferences, and both have their own subforums for hashing it out.
The reason I asked the question in the first place was because I've got a Remington 870 Express Mag I purchased with a 28" barrel, and its a bit too long and heavy for purposes other than duck/upland game bird hunting. Its a dandy shotgun and I'd love to have more flexibility out of it - such as for keeping under the bed for those bumps in the night - for deer hunting, even rabbit hunting, with a smaller barrel. I guess I was trying to determine the best length for compromising on all of the above.
Thanks again for everyone's thoughts