Hey John,

I cannot speak to the SoCal climate because I have never been there, but in my cold/wet forested area the Stainless/Synthetic would be the way to go. I had to choose between the 10/22 Ruger and the Papoose Marlin a couple of years ago. I picked the Papoose because of the "takedown" feature and have been happy with it, but still may also get the 10/22 just because I like the rifle. It is very rare to hear anything negative about the 10/22 Ruger.

Mike