Muley, TC does use SS , take a look at the King of the Mountain X7 ...

I would be on the phone with CVA before leaving the range.Have you gotten a responce back from them yet .To spend 400$ plus , thats my guess on a new gun you should not have any issues. The R and D should have known that area would be subject to the most punishment of the gun barrel....

We all have our favorites but we shall see how CVA handles it.
Steve