I've really prefer a wood stock but also like the weather resistance of stainless since I spend a number of nights in tent each year...often wet. All my rifles have wood stocks and I've had the metal coated...cerakote, Black Ice, etc. Keeps the rust issue away and is actually better than stainless, and I don't have an ugly plastic stock in my hand. I also take time to make sure the stock is bedded and sealed as best as possible. They all work, go with what you like best.