20-22"
Why? More compact and less obtrusive and easily to control when stalking. I'm constantly switching from various shoulder positions to holding in the hand when maneuvering in the brush, bush, and forest. I simply dont want a telephone pole sticking out over my shoulder snagging everything and causing more movement. Have not had any balance issues by cutting back barrels or building new.
If you reload, you can eliminate almost any loss in velocity when comping factory loads. With modern powders and components, that argument of lost fps with shorter barrels (26" to 22" and 24" to 20" respectively) is almost invalid. So now, you have as much power in a more compact and lighter rifle, if you so choose. Very easy to add weight to the stock if you want it and still keep a compact package.