Several years ago I had a chance to shoot one of the TOP Shooters (then and now) open gun. Quite frankly His gun was the most violent hard to shoot guns I have ever shot, my equipment is/was MUCH better.
After that lesson I just worked on my shooting, best thing I ever did....
He IS a top shooter and it is not How Flat or Soft the gun is.......Spend the time looking to improve your shooting ability........