the weather shield is probably just an exterior rust coating. ive only herd of one or 2 very expensive products that claim to protect the bore of a gun. i wouldnt trust any coating. get some shooters choice FP-10 or some sheath or rem oil. i coat the heck out of any bare metal. a couple alcohol swabs and 4 or 5 caps with patchs will dry the barrel out for hunting. thompson center without a doubt is one of the best customer service around period! now that there owned by smith and wesson doesnt make any difference. as a matter of fact smith and wesson just sent me a new screw part for one of my guns no questions asked. they are a little harder to get on the phone i will say but if you call during the week after hunting season you should be able to get someone on the phone.