I don't know if they are still available but at the last gun show I attended I saw a table with several Synthetic/stainless Winchester Featherweights. The synthetic stock looks just like the wood except it is black of course. I think the Featherweight with blue steel & wood stock is one of the better looking guns on the market.

I have owned an A-Bolt is 270. I should have never sold the gun. It would consistently shoot under an inch with 130 gr. Core-Lokts. It will shoot 3/4" with the newer Winchester 130 gr. Ballistic Silver tips. I know this because I sold the gun to my best friend.

My dad had an old 270 Featherweight with the push feed post 64 action. His gun was also a good and accurate rifle.

If it were me I would probably buy the composite stalker. I like you don't like to ding up a wood stock. It really makes me sick. I have changed my wood stocked rifles over to McMillan fiberglass for that very reason.

As far as function and reliability I think both are good choices and will give a lifetime of good service as long as you take care of them.