I have 3 VMs... 2 Tacticals and an old 26" sporting model. All needed the usual work - welded carrier and a hogged out loading port. Two shot slugs straight as an arrow, one shot to the side (I run a dot on that gun anyway, so no biggy). Both Tacticals had issues with the bolt occasionally holding partially open, which was easily resolved by changing out the action spring in the buttstock for a Wolff extra power Benelli spring. Now they all run like a Swiss watch.... supremely reliable as long as I feed them ammo with a good crimp (mine like Remington shells). Very soft shooting, but heavier than an M2.
The main reason I like the VM is that I can install a pistol grip stock, extended magazine etc. without worrying about any 922r nonsense.
The VM is not the only good option these days, but it works well for me.