OWD,
Good to hear all the diverse opinions.
My personal opinion is that the serious competion shooter today shoots many times more than any of the victorian era shooters. I have nothing other than speculation to base that on.

But, I think you've missed my point. "Quality" is a subjective term all by itself. "Quality" of what? Quality of design for intended use. Quality of manufacture. Quality of finish.

Obviously a Pgun can't compare quality of finish to a "smoking room" gun. But, it can compare in it's quality of design for intended use.

If a London sidelock was a viable gun compete on the world competion circuit it'd be there, IMO.