I used to think SS was the way to go for weather protection. Now I simply don't have a huge preference. I prefer something with a non-reflective surface instead of highly polished blue or SS.
If concerned about the weather the stock is the weak link. I've seen wood stocks go from perfect to useless in a matter of seconds. It takes a long time for moisture to screw up any of the metal parts of a rifle. Long enough that it qualifies as neglect. It is EASIER to keep a SS barrel and action looking like new, but I don't mind a few character marks on my firearms.
