All the reports from people who have the Ruger Haweye in both Alaska and Africa versions is that they are quite accurate out of the box. A coworker has one in the Africa version in .338WM, without the muzzle brake. It's a very good-looking rifle, and I will probably buy one like it (in .338WM). However, I will probably replace the walnut stock with a synthetic one for hunting in Alaska.
In the interior where I hunt, there is no trouble with blue or black finish and rust, as long as you clean and lubricate it, but wood stocks are not always the best during moose season since it often rains.
