I definitely agree on the wood. I much prefer straight grain, dark, with some modest streaking - about the kind of wood one sees on prewar Rigby bolt rifles. I have never been a fan of the burled or marblecake look, although I have a G&H bolt rifle in .338 and a few others that are marbled. If the wood is too "busy" it detracts from the rifle in my view, not to mention the strength issue.