I have noticed a number of ppl say the black scratches easy. I believe that is cause of the brass, not the paint. The nickel should be a harder coat and resist the scratching better, but that depends on the plating process.

My Palmer 12", unported, unfinished arrived last week. I will say it is loud. I'm going to camo wrap the barrel and then add a shroud.

I may just buy the HH kit to prove out the accuracy between the two.