Thank you everybody for the information and experiences that you have provided. I will check and see what the type of finish is on the barrel. Im looking to purchase the Remington 700 SPS with a stainless steel barrel in 308 or 300 WM, so if anybody has one of those rifles and can inform me of the finish on the barrel that would be great. Caliber decision willprolly be made about 5 seconds before purchasing .I will hopefullybe using the rifle for elk and mule deer next season so was wanting to purchase now to get the rifle ready.