You can paint stainlessShooting wise you won't notice a difference.
Hunting is the consideration. Do you want a more shiny weather resistance barrel, or one that isn't as shiny but will still hold up to the weather?
I personally have not had good luck with stainless barrels, none of the ones I have ever had would group as well as standard steel. There was one exception it was a Lothar Walther in .223 wylde 1/8 that came on a old Smith performance center AR, it was awesome. That is just my experience though and others may very.
Ah gotcha. Not saying you do but have few friends that do the "budget route" rifle has issues, won't group, won't be consistent, key holing at 200 yards. 95% of the time it's the barrel. Swap in white oak, happy as can be.This is from different years and many different rifle platforms.