The 42" was on my flinter. Subtract 8" and that would be about equivalent for a bolt gun - ie: bolt gun with 34" bl. would be same length as my flinter with a 42" bl. Long, yes - too long, for a modern rifle - yes - HA!. Hawkeye didn't have any trouble with a 42" bl. and neither did I, even though I wasn't raised by Mohicans.

At the ranges I needed to shoot while guiding, I did not need the real or perceived advantage of a long barrel.

For hunting, I still prefer the 25" or 26" bls. on bolt guns. They please me.