I have been looking at the Marlin 1894 in 44 mag at Dick's sporting goods. I can get the std one for $439, and the stainless version is $519.

What advantages does the stainless have (except it no rusting)? Is the barrel stable after it gets hot?

only advantage in that gun would be the resistance to rust. Barrel stable after shot?

The only advantages that stainless has over carbon metal are: #1-more rust protection,#2-tougher so throats last longer due to higher chromium content.

But don't be mistaken that stainless steel will not rust. If you neglect stainless it will rust.

My question isabout the difference in materials. Different metals expand and contract differently due to the heat.

44 mag I wouldn't be concerned at all or even in a high intensity cartridge in the 60K range. I would be more concerned about fit and finish and absence of tool marks.

Stainless requires considerably less maintenance than regular blued steel. That's the ONLY advantage. BUT, stainless is not totally rust-proof. It will also rust if something is not done to it to keep it clean and dry too!

Stainless barrels arenot, generally speaking, more accurate than chrome-moly barrels. As a matter of fact, stainless is harder to machine accurately, and often stainless barrels are not as accurate as regular barrel steel.

buy the blued and then get a finish put on it that will be rust proof and almost maintanance free. do a search for duracoat and birdsongs black t finish.