Strength through the wrist is absolutely paramount
and where it butts up to the Action.

As you say - the grain should run lengthwise - once
it gets to the main part of the butt it isn't so important
if it goes to patterns, swirls, tiger stripe etc.

As much as everyone likes fancy / nice wood, if it
doesn't have strength in the right place it is useless.

Light wood can be darkened and coloured without too much
problem and the wood will naturally darken anyway over time
so wood always starts lighter.

I'm sure Butch will advise you - after all, I doubt he's going
to recommend a piece of Wood that's going to break.

500 Nitro