I'm no librarian,so these are opinions based on observations for @ 30 yrs. I have seen shorter barrels in the 32"-38" range,but more commonly they were @ 40". I personally like the longer barrel if for no other reason,the longer sight radius, and the more balanced look they have. My favorite one I built was 44" 3/4" .32. It was a real shooter and handled very well. Stocked in walnut they seem a little lighter too,never weighed one,just seemed that way.