I like the stock design of the VR over the MR. I seem to hold that design much steadier off hand. The MR is lighter by a bit - not much. And I don't believe the 2" difference in barrel length would be any hinderence regardless of where you're hunting. Another reason I got the VR with sights is that I want to sight in the open sights prior to installing the scope. (Weaver style bases and rings). That way if my scope gets damaged, fogged or otherwise becomes unusable, I can simply remove the scope and continue hunting using the open sights.