The biggest problem I'm seeing is factory offerings. I bought an 870 SP when they first came out. 26" fixed Full choke. I've hunted in nearly every situation you can think of with that gun and never really had an issue with the length. That gun is a killer.
I have been thinking that I'd like to get a semi auto. Remington doesn't offer much in the way of short barrels on any of their semis anymore as far as I can tell. Even the 870s only offer the 21" on the 870 Express but not in camo, which is what I prefer.