Silly tactical shotgun barrel length question

[schick]

I'm thinkning about building a tacticla based on either a norinco or a dominion arms. I notice barrel lengths are 12.5, 14, 18.5, etc. Would a 18.5 inch barrel shotgun be okay for a tactical project? I looked over the tactical photo threads, and have to admit it's hard to tell how long some of the barrels were.

Is it just a matter of personal preference? Is 18.5 too long?

Also (forgive me for not knowing this, but posts have varying answers), what about barrel swaps. I was under the impression that switching from an 18.5 to a shorter barrel (say 12.5) would change it's class. (Assuming all else like the stock, remained the same.)

Please help, and please excuse my ignorance in this area.
Thanks guys.

 

[BrotherRockeye]

My ThingBlaster has a 20" barrel...personal preference

 

[schick]

I should also add that I was hoping to build on a mag fed shotgun. So without the added look of a lengthened mag tube, would a long barrel look weird?

 

[Omi-san]

Those are photos from the CGN galleries:

12" barrel:

14" barrel:

18.5" barrel:

I hope this helps a little.