I prefer the look of a blued, walnut stocked rifle. But that is just aesthetics, and I know it doesn't relate to the hunting qualities of the rifle. Probably a stainless steel barrel and a synthetic stock are better materials for hunting, more robust and resistant to the elements.

Having said that -- and not meaning to rain on the parade of stainless/synthetic fans -- for me hunting is not just the killing of the animal, it is the whole deal. It is sleeping in a canvas wall tent at 11000' and smelling wood smoke, seeing the dull glow of the hot steel of the wood stove, hearing the wood snap and crackle. I suppose another form of heat might be more efficient and easier to deal with -- a propane heater? -- but it just wouldn't have the same aesthetic appeal. I like the feel of a walnut stocked rifle in my hands and the look of a deep blued barrel. I just like it better. If I have a choice, I buy the wood stocked, blued barreled hunting rifle. I'm not implying stainless/synthetic fans are ONLY about killing the animal: I'm just explaining in a bigger context my responses and inclinations.

I don't hunt where it rains much, however. If I did maybe I would change my tune.