Stainless or Blued? Does It Matter? Thoughts -

I'm looking at .22 rifles - both bolt action and semi-auto - a Model 60 is a given (just because), but also considering Savage Mark II's, CZ's and Henry. So, in y'all's opinion(s) - where there's a choice between stainless steel and blued, does it really matter or is it personal preference? Lots of good choices, and I'm probably going to wind up with more than just the Model 60.

Want a 30-30 lever action as well, but I'll save my questions re that for later (unless you've got advice you'd like to share now) -

Thanks all - never been let down when I've had a question here -

Go "Dawgs

I personally would go for stainless in the guns you have that choice in simply because "to me" it seems like it holds up better where as the bluing will eventually wear off and need touching up or a complete re-application at some point depending on how often the gun is used. then again this is also just my opinion. It really depends on if you care if the gun gets scratched up and shows wear and tear or not this isn't a big deal to some people. Hope this helps.

Steven.

Stainless is a good option for those that neglect there firearms of regular cleanings or use them in severe climates. I prefer a matte or dull stainless finish over a high gloss stainless finish.

I am less than 200 yards from the Gulf. I buy stainless when I can. That being said there is nothing prettier than a deep, ie Colt, blue and color case hardening. CCH colors wear faster than blueing but the combination sure catches the eye. I have a Taurus pump in 45 Colt that has a blue barrel and CCH frame. I love it. Some of my blue guns are matte finish and they hold up well in the field. I've carried them on camping hunting trips with no issues. If the choice is there and the rifle is to be primarily a hunting weapon go Camo.

On the 30-30 go as retro as you can. Either Marlin or Winchester rifle, not carbine. I can't stand that barrel band. Go 22 or 24 inch barrel in tapered octagon with a full length magazine tube. Deep blue with Color Case Hardened reciever and a full buckhorn rear with a flip up tang sight for longer work.

PapaDawg

It's like if you said "Wow, what an ugly woman!" to a fella that's married to her and he thinks she is a trophy wife. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, not in the beheld. It's YOUR money and YOUR gun. Go stainless if you like the look. Go blued if you prefer the more traditional look. I doubt there is much difference in the performance of the two. The stainless will be an easier upkeep on the outside of the gun to prevent rusting. Just my $0.02 worth



Doggoner

Thanks for the replies everyone and it appears the "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" comments made my decision for me. At least it made me realize what deep down I'd thought all along - I really do like wood stocks and a blue barrel. I initially posed the question wondering if there was a practical reason for SS over blue, but I live in central MS and this rifle will spend most of its time on a bench at Magnolia R+P Club.

Leaning toward the Mark II BV (no thumb hole) and scope it up with one of the BSA's that alot of you "low cost" 22 RF F-Class shooters are using.

One other related question - do the 5-rd and 10rd Savage mags interchange? Looked, but couldn't find an answer -

Again - thanks all

If I could afford it I'd get stainless have it Black-T'd.

PapaDawg wrote:

One other related question - do the 5-rd and 10rd Savage mags interchange? Looked, but couldn't find an answer -

Again - thanks all

Yes

I generally prefer blued.....I like stainless for hard use rifles as long as it doesn't shine too much

Of course you can always get your stainless Black T'ed

I have an older Marlin 30-30 blued for sale (levers just don't do much for me) if you are interested...pm me

Xd357 wrote:

PapaDawg wrote:

One other related question - do the 5-rd and 10rd Savage mags interchange? Looked, but couldn't find an answer -

Again - thanks all

Yes

Thanks XD

I thought there was a bug running around on my screen lol.

I prefer blued steel and wood for the most part, but I do have a few stainless guns. I like them cause scratches are easily removed with some elbow grease...beats having to re-blue. Can also be media-blasted if ya don't want shiny.

I like the look of a good deep blueing and wood but for carry, it'll never last with you sweating on it. I get stainless or a heavy matte finish for beat around guns that can take everything from wear to weather.

I have had both and chose the finish on each of them based on the use for it as well as the look. However, I'd have to admit that look was the deciding factor in most cases.

stainless ain't real great when sittin under dat ol' beech tree waitin for dat ol' squirrel to peek his head out...

True, but some good old camo bow stick will fix that. LOL...and just take it off when season ends.