I have a lot less trouble with rust with my SS barrel on my encore than i did with my non SS barrels on mt Traditions or my sons CVA he had . I never have to worry about rain or water on the outside or between the stock and forearm . On my sons Omega i keep it very well oiled in those areas and have not had a problem . A friend Omega has a lot of rust showing at the edge of his stock . I never oil the outside of my SS guns . All my guns are ss except my Benelli Nova and its camo . I have a SS Encore , Ruger MkIII hunter and 22/45 (both 22 pistols ) and a Marlin .17 HMR ,all are way easier to take care of than blued IMO . I don't think i will ever get another gun thats is not SS .