Well, I think I've finallyzeroed in onmy choice fora new 30-06 to either:

X-Bolt Hunter, satin walnut and blued steel

X-Bolt Stalker, composite and stainless

I really like the look of the Hunter and much prefer the walnut stock. But I just don't think it would fair too well in my hunting environment (humid, wet, ocean nearby, etc.)

If Browning offered the hunter in walnut/SS that would be perfect!

I wonder if I bought the Stalker, could I later put the hunter walnut stock on it? ...that is, if I decide I hate looking at that black rubber stock.

The stalker has a pretty well made composite stock better then most composite stocks out there with the exception of the very rare laid up composite. YOu could drop it in a walnut stock later on if that is what you wish.

The stocks ARE interchangable as long as they are the SAME length action. The nice thing about browning A-bolt/X-bolt is that they come from factory already glass bedded and barrel free floated. I would get the stainless stalker and order a mediallion stock for it later.