This will be a matter of opinion bi time. I don't care for tainless barrel. They seem to be to be less accuate. This expierence come 95 percent from stainless handguns. I have never had a problem with non stainless guns rusting. Given simular care, I think they would both last about the same amount of time. I don't care for the looks of Stainless although a very dull stainless finsh is in my lower level of acceptance.