It's OK:
On muzzle loaders (longrifles) when done as period correct style.
On Schuetzen rifles it looks OK,,I'm used to seeing it there.
On modern rifles and shotguns only as small accent bas-relief carvings to the leaves of the fleur-de-lis or other small leaf engagements on the borders of the checkering pattern.

I don't care for the heavy carving of animals, woodland scenes and the like on a firearm in place of checkering or on the sides of the butt stock,
However I do appreciate the work itself. Some is beautifully done and a piece of art in itself.