For what it's worth, I have a bicentennial 45-70 with very nice factory wood and have never had any rust issues with it. It's been used for decades while hunting in rain and snow in northern Idaho mountains. I've taken the stock off several times for cleaning / inspection and rust has never been an issue with this particular rifle. I'm not doubting that there haven't been some 1970's Ruger nuber 1's with salt wood problems but not with the 1776 45-70 number 1 that I own and use.
