the "silver" finish on your gun is the lack of case-colors. those silver parts were hardened and most likely had case-colors on them when the hardening process was complete. After that, they simply remove the colors and polish the metal.

PS - don't get Naval Jelly anywhere near your case-colored guns... or you'll end up with that silver or coin finish!

So what you have in this silver finish, is basically bare steel. I'm sure there is some "skin" there of some minimal degree that offers more protection than raw steel - But it ain't much! Keep it clean, and protect it with a light coat of oil (I usually apply oil with one rag and wipe it off after that with a dry one.)

As for getting your gun wet - as in soaked. Get it to a compitent gun smith ASAP! - when i say compitent, i mean the guy you would trust taking your double rifle apart... not the "Bob's Guns" down the street that re-blues remington 1100's.

I doubt anyone would reccomend WD40, but 1) it does stand for Water Displacement (40th try) and 2) ask the gunsmith that you're getting it to ASAP - b/c he's going to be the one most likely refinishing the wood on your soaked gun...

Keep your powder dry... and your stock Too!