Grain that runs across the wrist or grip may split with recoil or a sharp blow, or chip at the toe of the stock or pistol grip.  When cutting blanks for stocks
I always looked for strength first, then figure; however, on some outstanding, highly-figured pieces I have cut them to take advantage of the visual impact of the figure, using the stock for a low or moderate recoiling firearm to protect it from coming apart under use. I just couldn’t stand to waste those fine pieces and not use them!  Also, in some fancy pieces, you might get away with repairs to flaws using glass epoxy or shellac sticks, and still have a very usable and beautiful gunstock for your efforts.