I prefer the satin. It is easy for me to maintain with a scotchbrite buffing wheel. I don't care for a mirror polish. It shows every scratch and fingerprint. The painted ones are easier to maintain than a mirror finish. I have noticed that the paint is getting better all the time. It is quite durable. You can scrub it pretty hard to clean it and the coating stays intact. If I was in the military, I'd get a coated one. Mostly, I just like the look of the satin finish. Ooooh, bright and shiny. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />