Is the metal actually stainless which is then coated, or is it chro-moly?
Chrome Moly and it was a tough barrel to break in. Fouled like no barrel I have ever owned or shot and I own, have owned and have shot ALLOT of factory and custom barrels. I've only seen one barrel worse. A 6.5 (8 twist) $100.00 Green Mountain barrel a local kid used for a 6.5 WSM build. After 200 round a cotton patch on a jag still ratchets down it.
