I know this has been asked before but I have decided to take the plunge and buy a ML-II. Now I have to decide between blued or stainless. Ron at SMI told me that Douglas barrels does not recommend stainless for muzzleloader barrels because they are easier to "scratch" inside the bores than a Chrome moly one. Scratching caused by improper cleaning technique or from a ram rod. Have any of you heard that? Plus I know you have had a discussion on here about the radial marks in the stainless factory barrels. Are you seeing the same in the blued versions? If you were me and buying your first Savage which way would you go? Either will have a laminate stock from Randy. Chances are that if I bought a stainless and it shot well, I would eventually have it bead blasted to reduce the shine. Aesthetically I could go either way. I know that I have regreated buying my Encore 5 years ago, blued (since I shoot pyrodex and 777 in it) but the Savage is only being bought because of its ability to shoot non corrosive smokeless. I am also trying to factor in resale value. Since they both cost the same in this situation, am I better to go stainless? The final decision though is long term, sustainable accuracy! Thanks for you thoughts.