I have to say that I don't think most German double shotguns compare to even a run of the mill English gun let alone a really good English gun. And I've never handled a German gun that IMO handled or pointed really well.

Most German guns seem to be middle weight as Dugga Boy points out and IMO earn their longevity through both the plethora of fastening devices found on each typical German gun and through lack of rounds through the action. Seems to me I've seen plenty of tight on the face well worn guns that have lots of evidence of being carried alot and shot alot less.

Recoil is recoil whether from a shotshell or a rifle cartridge and game is game. The configuration of the rifle or gun is the result of evolution with the end result generally being more efficient in one way or another, pretty much results or costs seems to me.

The results, ie the choice made by those for whom cost are relatively incosequential, show that a straight gripped, relatively long barrelled, 6lb 12oz or so, double trigger pair or trio of guns choked about quarter, with a good, full time paid loader were the most efficient guns for driven birds; a double riffle of 450NE or so with two triggers and weighing about 11 pounds was the most efficient elephant gun.....

The most efficient rifle for driven four footed game seems to be a straight gripped double rifle of modest calibre and modest weight or so it seems from the number of really nice, high end doublles of this description from countries that feature this type of shooting that I've seen.

JPK