i hafta admit, originally i did mine for the "snipery cool custom looking" factor, or just as some have personalized plates on their car, it's a one of a kind and something different from the guy sitting next to me at the range.
along the way, even with a krylon / rustoleum job, i've found that it does protect a bit from corrosion. oils tend to attract crap too, a can of air to the kryloned one and the crap is off.
also cuts down on one more foreign scent (oils / protectants) for hunting critters that depend on noses a whole lot.
one could argue the "shine" element for hunting too, along with everything else one may use for hunting may be camoed, why not the 4 foot piece of equipment slung over the shoulder.
one a single / two toned, or multitoned rifle that's not camoed, i think it gives the rifle a slicker look if done tastefully whether a walmart rattle can, ceracote, duracoat, etc..
but if as in the opening thread it was a S&B or top end customized deal, i think i'd go the extra and not consider a walmart rattle can job.
luckily, no guilt doing a 300.00 savage
or a 220.00 used mossberg