Stainless Steel?

[Loki_762]

I have done a little extra work this summer so that I can buy a new rifle for an upcoming antelope hunt, and I have decided on an Encore.  While a blued/black version would certainly work just fine, I would really like a stainless model, not only because it looks cool, but also because I live in a damper climate (Washington), and I like the weather resistance qualities of stainless.  However, I am concerned that the stainless may be a bit on the shiny side, and may possibly give me away while hunting.  Are the stainless frames and barrels shiny, or are they brushed?  I am thinking that if they are brushed and less reflective, it may not be such a big deal.  What are your experiences or opinions?
Thanks,
Chris

[swampthing]

Don't worry about it one bit. They are brushed steel and have a dull matte appearance. I had one in stainless .50cal ML configuration with camo stocks. If I put it next to a tree and forgot were I put it, it would be tough to find it again. Go play with one and bring a big flashlight, or, ask them to take you outside to address your concerns. 
Sold it a while ago, regretted it, bought another one. I don't plan on swimming with my set-up so the synthetic/stain"less" was replaced with the blued/walnut, based on looks and feel.   

[Grumulkin]

If you're really concerned about the brightness of stainless steel, you can send your barrel/frame to SSK Industries and they can give it a black mil spec finish.  That said, the stainless barrels/frames aren't particularly reflective.

[james]

I have the m/l barrel and a 7mm08 which are stainless.  You will need to oil them like a blued barrel as they are not rust proof.  I had to use a scotch brite pad on mine to clean the rust off the lug after hunting in the rain. After scrubbing, I have some bright spots but no rust.   The advantage of stainless is you don't have to worry about scrubbing the bluing off.

[skb2706]

If it still bothers you get a roll of camo tape, peel off two lengths of it, put it on the barrel  while you are hunting, peel it off when you're done.

[Davemuzz]

If it still bothers you get a roll of camo tape, peel off two lengths of it, put it on the barrel  while you are hunting, peel it off when you're done.

Best advice you'll ever get!!!  I did exactely that on my 243 prohunter barrel last year. A little bit of bore cleaner will take off the tape residue glue in a few seconds.

Dave

[terryfcampbell]

Mine is stainless and have taken several deer on very sunny days, they didn't seem to notice any glare

[Davemuzz]

Mine is stainless and have taken several deer on very sunny days, they didn't seem to notice any glare

While that may be true Terry, I wasn't talking about shooting those 80 lb doe's that run by your stand. I'm talking about those wise 'ol bucks that go well over 200 lbs. You know...the ones that notice when a twig is out of place....the smart ones.

Dave

[Capt Gary]

Just got my stainless encore muzzleloader (plux 7MM Rem Mag barrel) back from Black Ice Coatings in UT.
They did a great job with a industial teflon coating on all parts.
Gun now has a matte black finish that matches Leupolds matte scopes almost perfectly.
They coated everything all external and internal parts (not the bore) and scope rings and bases. Looks really nice.

This is a great way to cover the stainless and improve the gun overall.

Now, I have hunted with stainless guns for years and have never felt that I spooked and animal with my weapon.