Inclement Weather Rifle?
 

Let's assume for alaska or just poor weather...

Are synthetics really that much better than wood? I've been under the impression synthetics don't swell/shrink like wood will with changes in moisture etc...ie affecting your rifles zero? has this been made out to be a bigger deal than it really is? aren't wood stocks coated enough to prevent moisture changes etc...? What's your preferred choice?

I had my 280 AI coated and added a HS Precision stock to avoid any those issues. Wood warps and the last rifle i bought didn't have much of a finish, if at all in the barrel channel and mag well. Laminated stocks are better than a standard wood stock. You just can't beat the feel off a wood stock. I don't like plastic synthetic stocks at all, i generally don't buy guns with them. But you'll find a 100 different opinions on stocks it's really personal taste.

You did say Inclement Weather Rifle................Right ??

I voted synthetic / stainless - Do I win ? LOL !!!

Bad Weather Rifle?
 

I have two that weather does not affect.
Synthetic/Parkerize
Laminate/Ceracote
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

I prefer laminate / stainless but can also go with a good synthetic (not an injection molded POS) / stainless.

I think it has been made to be a much bigger deal than it really is.
I have hunted numerous times for weeks at a time in rainy humid conditions with a wooden stock and blued steel with no perceivable affects to accuracy. Perhaps something did happen to the rifle, but it still shot better than I could.

In my opinion it is more marketing hype than anything else.