Well if you want a 28" barrel but do not like the overall length of the rifle then get a compact single shot action
the rifle with a 26" barrel will likely be the same length or shorter even than a bolt action with a 22" barrel.
I do feel that some folks make a Mountain out of a Molehill over this overall legth thing
have never really had a problem with it myself and it amazes me that the upland hunters seem to get by using semi auto shotguns with 28" barrels without too many problems.