Scott - ya opened a big can-o-worms on this one..
historicly, shooters have leaned toward a more 'linear' dimensioned gun for the range..
thats all I'll touch on ..
just consider Fit and Feel to be the two most important factors.
guns are 'generically' produced and a guy thats 5'8" is going to have different needs/dimensions as say someone of my stature @ 6'5" ..
Fit and Feel First!