first i want something for deer and br shooting at the range.  i looking at the bdl 30/06 or the vls but havn't decided on the cal.  i like the looks of the vls better but the bbl adds about 2lbs.  would this barrel be better for shooting at the range than the normal bdl barrel?  also are the bdl sights removable?  i'm leaning towards the vls even though the weight bothers me, of course i'd probably put a harris bi-pod on there anyway.  anyone tell me anything about the vls?  thanks.

The bdl sights are removable as i set up these rifles quite often and I remove them. the vls i would think would be too heavy by my standards to carry around hunting. I ould choose the lighter bdl if thats going to be the main use of this rifle. Otherwise the VLS would be very nice for BR shooting or varmint hunting. Just have to decide what you want it for more

According to REM themselves:
The VLS is not floated. The VS is.
I like the laminated stock but, would opt for the floating barrel with synthetic stock.

Edited to add that:  Im not a big fan of the 30.06. Not much performance there that can't be had with the .308W, which is usually a more inherently accurate cartidge.