I think Feltwad has a most-excellent point: even the mid-range stuff of the past handles different (and for some of us, better) than the modern reproductions. Some years back I had a double-flint made by Ketland. I even shot a round of sporting clays with it (only such round I've ever shot, can't understand the attraction, but many folks don't understand my obsessions). The problem with the gun was that I tend to prefer a larger bore in a double.
So like an absolute IDIOT I traded it off, for what I can't remember. I've handled but not shot a Pedersoli, not "bad" but different. Another guy might prefer the Pedersoli to the Ketland. . . . Heck, I once watched VM Starr shoot a round of trap (another game I don't understand) using a double not much different than my current Belgian double. As I recall though, he had a much lighter 14 gauge for upland gunning.
I need to go to some farm auctions this summer, and see watch shows up out of the barns.