Have a VLS in .223.
Correct on the 26" barrel.
Too heavy to hunt with? At 11# scoped and ready to roll I say yea, it's too heavy for my liking. Would probably cost you coyotes being long and cumbersome. It's a superb range gun or woodchuck/pDog rifle though.
Are they accurate? Mine is probably the most accurate factory rifle I've ever owned.