>One thing is certain, if a few guys can shoot a 10 lb outfit nearly as well as folks do with a 13.5 outfit with a scope 6 times more powerful it may stand to reason that the additional weight and stock stability might yield BIGGER SCORES. This is gonna be FUN !!!<

Pete, at least for me, the 6x scope remains a serious handicap: a 250-16+ [HBR] score being stratospheric, while I consider a VfS tally of less than 20x a "TRAIN WRECK". With the BIG glass, I am usually able to acquire a decent sight picture and run five record shots fast enough to take advantage of the steady, but short lived "conditions".  Just last year, some people (who were watching me shoot for some reason) believed that, having made a "bad" fisrt shot,  I had given up and merely blasted the remainder down range [in discust] as fast as I could "pull the trigger" - they were subsequently surprised to see those targets score 5X! Via the 6x scope,  I cannot shoot nearly as fast; it takes longer to become satisfied with the sight picture - especially when some "hold-off" is called for. The Top Dogs and young guys (GOOD EYES) make it look easy - I guess that's why I admire them! ;)

I do agree with your idea that the VfS platform (especially the three inch wide fore arm) accommodates better shooting and probably slightly higher scoring potential. However, I believe that the weighted order for the Higher AVERAGE Winning score for the VfS class IS due to: #1) magnification; #2) more stable platform; #3) additional weight.

I believe that it is a mistake to look only at the winning numbers; the average and Sd include ALL scores - on these levels, the 6X classes fall FAR behind. Still, to me, THIS remains the primary challenge of competing in the Hunter Class - I MUST be/become a better shooter in order to maintain a HIGH average and/or compete at the highest level via a Hunter rifle . . again, for me, compared to shooting the HBR rigs,  even the 10 Lb. 2Oz. LV rig ( 36X B&L) is like a paid vacation - and my personal X-couts prove it; 20X+ with the LV, where, via the HBRs, 16X is a GREAT day for yours truly!

These are merely my opinions, based upon my personal experiences - I am looking forward to hearing other opinions/experiences!

Keep 'em ON the X! R.G.