At least it's one I haven't had before----just bought a new 700, brown laminated stock with the "black" coated barrel, reciever and even the bolt body---I've had it out to the range and it shoots as expected, but can any of you give me any info on this coating? Like what exactly is it? Does it last? Looks like if you did accidentally scratch it, it could be touched up with a magic marker---I know I could check it on the net, but I would like some forum feedback on this----------John