You're absolutely correct, Larcher. Truth is, I'm so used to and spoiled by the handling qualities that I've come to take it as being natural. I also have 2 FN-Browning B25 shotguns + 1 B525 and they all balance the same, incl. the rifle. Switching from one to another goes unnoticed, they all feel like they "grew" on you. Regarding Chapuis, I feel their s/s are better balanced than their o/u. The latter have shorter bbls. and that could be the reason.