I have to agree with you Red. I personally love the looks of a nice walnut or other grainy harwood stocks. I currently own only 3 guns withsynthetic stocks. At first i hated that boring, black, matte look. But after a couple times hunting with them in rain or wet snow.I take notice at the ones I have to really keep up with to prevent surface rusting and dings or scratches in the wood. All in all, I still love my nice wood guns. But i am also happy to know...i got a couple on my wall that i can take into the elements with me as well. And about that dull dry savage bluing (I own a couple of them too) maybe you could try some " BLUE WONDER" I have had the best luck with this product. I have made my savages and newer ithicas as black as the ace of spades. Also to mention that the finish comes out smooth and shiny too, not matte and rough. I am currently working on a H&R single shot manufactured 1904. It had alot of pitting and bluing turned a brownish copper. Now it looks like a browning bps' dark, rich, smooth blue finish. It is all in the preparation before bluing that is most important. Make it clean, polish it and remove all grease from the area. Even grease from fingerprints have been known to make bluing appearscattered or blotchy. Try it Red, and let me know how it goes.