The stainless in the cold concern originated with Krieger. I have seen more failed Cr-Mo barrels than stainless ones, all resulting from having been fired with obstructions. The absolute worst from the standpoint of breaking with pieces flying around were Parker Hale. These barrels tended to fracture, others just split.
In the Arctic, stainless rifles are increasingly popular because they do not rust as badly or as rapidly as Cr-Mo ones when neglected. It is not uncommon for a rifle to be made worthless because of a pitted chamber; this is far more likely to happen with a CR-MO barrel.
Many scopes simply cannot be adjusted when solidly frozen.
By and large, the rifles in everyday use are the ones that are available. A Remington will work as well in the cold as anything else, anything can fail if not properly prepared.
I did see bolts spoiled by being held over Coleman stoves to thaw them after they had frozen up. Heat treatment spoiled, mainsprings collapsed. Ruger was particularly helpful with this, did a no cost replacement. Not at all unusual to see a rifle misfiring because the bolt had never, ever been disassembled and cleaned. Spring clogged with rust and sludge. I do agree that a Ruger Mk. 2 is as rugged an action as any. Savage bolts are most likely to fail when neglected, because of their complex fabricated design.
Injection moulded stocks seem less durable in the cold than wooden ones. Saw quite a number broken at the wrist. My personal preference would be for laminated.
I would assume that a "precision" rifle would be properly prepared, and used with care. Keeping a rifle covered to keep snow and frost off it is a really good idea. Carrying a slung, uncovered rifle on one's back on a snowmobile is an invitation to problems, ranging from snow in the barrel to a snow covered action and scope.
In the Arctic, stainless rifles are increasingly popular because they do not rust as badly or as rapidly as Cr-Mo ones when neglected. It is not uncommon for a rifle to be made worthless because of a pitted chamber; this is far more likely to happen with a CR-MO barrel.
Many scopes simply cannot be adjusted when solidly frozen.
By and large, the rifles in everyday use are the ones that are available. A Remington will work as well in the cold as anything else, anything can fail if not properly prepared.
I did see bolts spoiled by being held over Coleman stoves to thaw them after they had frozen up. Heat treatment spoiled, mainsprings collapsed. Ruger was particularly helpful with this, did a no cost replacement. Not at all unusual to see a rifle misfiring because the bolt had never, ever been disassembled and cleaned. Spring clogged with rust and sludge. I do agree that a Ruger Mk. 2 is as rugged an action as any. Savage bolts are most likely to fail when neglected, because of their complex fabricated design.
Injection moulded stocks seem less durable in the cold than wooden ones. Saw quite a number broken at the wrist. My personal preference would be for laminated.
I would assume that a "precision" rifle would be properly prepared, and used with care. Keeping a rifle covered to keep snow and frost off it is a really good idea. Carrying a slung, uncovered rifle on one's back on a snowmobile is an invitation to problems, ranging from snow in the barrel to a snow covered action and scope.
