Between the wars guns tend to be lighter - with Churchill and the fashion for short barrels and very light guns, guns (12 bore) were often nearer 6 lbs than 7lbs. Some were even lighter.
Very light guns often had the stocks trimmed to a very thin hand, and many may have been broken over the years.
I think quality wise, it varies from gun to gun. I have heard it said that the 'best' quality was just pre the first war when cost was very much secondary to quality. After the 1st war, money was less readily available (Great Depression etc) and makers became more cost concious.
I have an Atkin Spring Opener made in 1911 - and the quality would be hard to better. Its showing the 'fair wear and tear' from 100 years use, but is largely original. Weighs a little under 7 lbs with 28" barrels and a 14 3/4 stock.
