I dont think it' s a fashion statement. I have several stainless rifles for their ability to weather harsh enviroments and to have slightly better wear than the chrome moly barrels. The silver finish (clear anodizing) on scopes offer nothing over the black models. So I install the ugly black matte one' s on my rifles.

Here are a few examples......

a boat paddle Ruger 77MK II SS in 280 Rem topped with a Leupold VariX III 4.5x14x50




Remington 40 XBKS SS action/barrel topped with a Leupold VariX III 8.5x25x50 LR




Remington Custom 700 blued action Hart 32" SS barrel wearing a Leupold VariX III 6.5x20x50





They certainly are not pretty, but they are working rifles, AA