Savage Precision Carbine finish/rust resistence?

[Wayfarer]

Hi all. I have been looking for a new rifle to dispatch wild dogs, coyotes, and occasional small hog on my place down here in Texas. Might even do a little long-distance target shooting for fun, but not for competition. I am about to buy a Savage, either a Model 10 Precision Carbine or a 16FHSS Weather Warrior.

I need the rifle to be pretty tough and withstand some pretty humid weather here in my part of Texas, including being able to use it in the rain. I really like the Precision Carbine but am concerned about the finish standing up to the climate. In the past, I've learned to fight a constant battle against rust of my polished blue firearms. I have an AR-15 with a parkerized-type blue finish that is pretty much rust free, so I know some blued rifles can be pretty tough.

Is the finish on the precision carbine decently rust resistant? If so, I'll probably go with the Precision Carbine. But of it's like most blued weapons, requiring constant oiling and cleaning to keep the rust off, I'll probaby go with the Weather Warrior.

Thanks for any and all thoughts!

 

[MrCleanOK]

Just curious, why won't your AR-15 fit the bill here? Dogs, yotes, small hogs? Sounds like .223 fodder to me.

 

[Detritus]

unless something drastic has changed, blued/matte blued savage rifles are NOT very rust resistant. I've had two, a '96-97 vintage 110FP and an '05 12FV. both were VERY rust prone for the first month or two i had them, was wiping them down every few days.
If i were to be storing one for an extended time here in TX, away from any ability to keep it wiped down. I'd be tempted to give the outside a thin coat of vaseline or similar!

 

[Uncle Mike]

They are matte finished bluing. Not all that rust resistant.

Two options here...Get the Weather Warrior, wax it with 'Butches' floor wax when new...forget about it. The wax will last for years under the stock line, re-wax once or twice a year above the stock line, depending how much you rub on the metal while hunting.
or, send it to get a high speed, low drag coating applied such as Birdsong Black-T(recommended, absolutely the best stuff), KG Coat or have it dipped in your favorite camouflage pattern to match the stock... or whatever racks your bolt.

There were several different models of the Savage 10/110 that were completely dipped in camouflage, Mossy Oak brush camo., Semi-heavy barrel, large bolt knob, 22" bbl. Standard, 24" bbl. magnum... the 'Whitetail Hunter'...in popular deer calibers, if you could find one of those, no worries of rust there!

The 'Predator Hunter', 10/110 series by Savage is also completely dipped, but the largest caliber offered is the .243WIN.

Most cost effective way out, is to get the Weather Warrior and wax it. You don't really need to wax it either, but...

Ask your friendly FFL to contact Jerry Sport Center and see if they have any of the Whitetail Hunters left.

 

[aubie515]

Why not have the rifle refinished? You can DIY or pay a professional. I have personal experience with Norrell's Moly Resin and KG Gunkote...both finishes are the same, but KG Gunkote offers more color options. You will need to bake the parts in an oven for an hour. If you can get the parts park'd first then refinish in KG...that is the best option. Skip Duracoat...you will be very disappointed or impressed if you know nothing about finishes.