RE: Finally Got my Optima Elite
While the rifle you had to settle for was not a stainless steel model, it should work fine. Stainless steel barrels are nice, without question, but a good blued barrel is still a fine rifle.
Good luck with your rifle. I hope the store was kind enough to cut you a deal on the one you had to settle for. If they didn't everyone in the store would have known about it... I will be waiting for your range report..