Do you find the Atkin 'smoother' and more easily closed than the Purdey?

Several people have told me this is so. I have handled two Atkin Spring Openers (other than my own), one was lovely easy to close and silky smooth (like my own), the other stiff and lumpy. I have handled (and shot) only one (borrowed!) pair of Purdeys and I did find them stiff, but it was a long time ago and I wasn't used to a self opener then, so can't really compare.