a 28 inch barrel is great for upland it is good for skeet and occasional sporting clays use even thought the latest trend is for 30 in O/U in skeet and a 32 inch for sporting the 686 is a great gun the balance is a little more between the hands than I like for a target gun (great for field) for targets I like muzzle heavy to help with the follow through the 686 is a quality gun that will last you a lifetime I have shot many 686s and shot a 682 for competition for years (USN skeet team)

In't have direct experience Craig but, the reviews from owners on you tube have been excellent. You should take a look at a few here : youtube.com/results?search_query=beretta+sp+686+28+review+