Hi - Could someone enlighten this new-comer about barrels.
 
1 - What is the advantage of a stainless steel barrel (no rust, right?)

2 - What is the advantage of a chrome-lined barrel as opposed to one that is not?

Thanks!

Stainless steel barrels are more weather resistant, but stainless can get rust spots if left to the elements unchecked. Ever had a stainless fishing knife with rust on it!
Depends on the purity of the steel.

Chrome lined barrels are easeir to clean and they are suppose to last longer internally.

Match shooters like non chrome lined as they are said to be more accurate.

You need to clean and lube all types of metal to make it last, even if its stainless steel.

I have chrome lined and non chrome lined called moly, and they are all in well kept like new  condition.

Stainless would be the choice if you were to be using it in a marine or wet weather situation for prolonged periods.

Hope this helps.

Stainless is a bit easier to hold to very, very tight tolerances than some of the ordanance grade steels used in straight chrome-molly bbls.  This is NOT the same as chrome-plated bores.

Longevity:
Chromed-bore bbl.
Accuracy:
Probably Stainless
Economy: (not that you can't get an EXCELLENT bbl)
Blued/Parkerized steel.