I guess for those of use where 10 day hunts in the rain, and hard weather conditions, especially in primative camp settings, stainless is almost a must. For those of use who's rifle only sees the feild on the short walk to or from the deer stand, then anything will do. You take two rifles, one blue, one stainless and let them do some hunting for 5 years here in alaska, you'll definately be able to see what we are talking about.