i was going to use a stoeger as a back up gun for this next season purchased one and it never made it to the blind. broke at home while cleaning it. i have heard good things and bad about the 2000 if you do buy 1 hope you get a good one. as far as barrel length i shoot a 28 and use anything from number 4s on down depending on what im hunting ducks or geese. good luck your gun will be the least amount of money you will spend if you fall in love with waterfowling as i have. good luck