I've also heard barbed wire fences were a primary cause of bottom side wood damage around the receiver. Another common place for damage on an LC Smith is right behind the trigger guard, supposedly from using the trigger guard as a slip guard to keep the wire from jumping around as the hunter pushed down and stepped over the fence.

Yes, I have noticed guns from out West tend to be in better shape. Less rust, which I've attributed to the humidity levels as compared to the South.