One of my doubles spent three days underwater when the previous owners home was flooded while he was away. He dried it out thoroughly and I bought it some months later. Some rust broke out near the wood a few weeks after I bought it, so I pulled it down, boiled then greased the metal work and let the stock dry for another three months in a temperature controlled dehumidified container, no problems since.

So, I don't think a hunt in the rain will hurt. On the other hand, I'm reluctant to take any non stainless rifle out in heavy rain if I'm camping because it is hard to get them really dry in a hike tent. I have a stainless Ruger 308 that I use.

mike