I hope this is not like asking about broadheads for arrows, if it is, then sorry. Went to the local gun place to ask more questions about a Savage. Was asking about Stainless guns in 204 and then he asked why I wanted stainless. In all honesty told him for looks and rust. He then was giving me the pitch on how blued barrels last longer then stainless ones. Was telling me how Stainless is better for corrosion, but not as durable and a blued barrel will last longer. Nowweather blued or stainless, the gun I wanted had to be ordered, so its not like he was making a pitch to give me something off the rack. Plus blued guns arecheaper so he has to be making a little less money. So is he right? Full or crap? This is the first time I have ever heard this. Just curious as to what you all think?

Actually he is incorrect about the chrome-molly barel lasting longer than stainless. Stainless steel is harder than chrome-molly and does not wear as quickly. However it is alsomoredificultto manufacturer an accurate stainless barrel than it is a chrome-molly barrel. So there are trade offs.

Keep in mind that stainless doesn't mean that it is stainproof. Stainless steel will still rust is neglected.

Stainless is flat out better. If you like the look of stainless, then that is the way to go. Some folks don't like the look of stainless barrels, but no one can argue their superior characteristics.

The guy was yanking your chain.... and why do you say he would be making more on the stainless gun, just becaus it is more expensive ???? He may have more markup room on the blued. He may get a discount on the blued. Price does not necessarily relate to profit.

MET

For PRACTICAL purposes for the average hunter, either is fine, The stainless is resistant to rust (as bigbulls stated) but if you take proper care each will do the job.

My stainless guns have held up better than my blued guns...they just seem to still look brand new. I'd go with the stainless especially if you like the looks.


Brett

i prefer stainless

I guess I'm just old-fashioned about my guns. To me' nothing looks better than a nice deep blue on smooth finished steel and a nice figured piece of wood.
Stainless just doesn't do it for me, and if you stick it in a piece of black plastic, that just raises the ugly factor 2X. I'm not saying I'd never buy one, but if I have an option, it's gonna be blue and wood. JMHO..........

I am SS fan all the way. Some guns are more practial with a blue barrel but all inall I will get a SS 90% of the time. Never had any problems with any of mine!!