I shoot a 28" @ the skeet field, for waterfowl and for upland birds. Once the 28" barrel has been used you will find that you like it I think. Follow thru is a lot better with a little more length. In the heat of the moment while taking a shot I honestly have never noticed recoil in any of the loads.
You are going to like the SBE. I have bought 2 Browning Golds since I bought the SBE several years ago and always go back to the Benelli. I can hunt waterfowl in the morning & then go to the birds fields for the afternoon day after day and not have to worry about a misfire, The gun can live in the water and dust and still bang out the shells.