Matt from LSI said on another forum that it was because demand for SS barreled actions died off, and many people just wanted the look of SS. He also tucked in his response that they can Cerakote in-house, which I assume means a SS look without the cost (i.e. more profit).
Thanks for the info. Since Weatherby probably deals direct with Howa, maybe the SS Vanguards will still be available, at a higher price, of course. I don't mind paying more for real stainless, which is another reason I bought the Ruger instead of one of Derrick's $329 Howas. He did get me for one of his Smith .22 Victories, though!
