I agree about the BT forend. Much prefer a splinter.

I haven't seen nor held a VC, so I'm not really qualified to state an opinion on this question. However, I own a Merkel in .500NE and find it to be a good, serviceable, accurate, and fun rifle. While it's no London best, I find it reasonably attractive as a field grade rifle. It's a great beater rifle.

Can someone post photos of the VC Azur so I can have some idea of what it looks like?

My $0.02 worth.

Curl