I would personally rather a dedicated gun for each. However, I think most of us started with only one gun. I think I would rather a 28 inch barrel. I would rather have a gun that was too long than too short. Also if are searching for one gun, I would get one that is more geared to what you do the most not middle of the road. You will likely get another gun eventually and you will be happy the first wasn't a compromise. Also, I am a fan of the inertia operated autoloaders. They are lighter than a gas gun and hard to kill. I swear that my new sbe3 is lighter and kicks less than my first 870.
