If you were disappointed in the Nikon 70-300, you almost certainly had the cheap "G" version. The ED version was reasonably well regarded, and the newest VR version more so.
I had the ED version, and its main shortcoming was the lack of VR.
No, thanks, but it was the ED version, purchased from Grays of Westminster and sold onward shortly afterward. And yes, it was used on a proper tripod with proper technique and everything. At 300mm it was pants. Obviously, there's always a chance of a bad copy, but really the colour and sharpness was not good, even compared to the old 300mm f/4.5 non-ED Nikkor it was supposed to replace. From what I have seen, and I haven't used one, the VR is much better.
Edit:
And the first review I checked afterwards concurs: "Softness at 300mm. You probably won't notice the softness as much as the loss of contrast, especially if you compare results obtained with this lens versus, say, the 300mm f/4. Still, in a pinch, the 300mm this lens produces is quite usable, especially at f/8 and f/11." (bythom)
Why would you want to lug a 300mm around when the results at 300mm are rubbish? You may as well use a something-200 that actually works.
With regard to the OP's lens though, I'm sure it will be fine!