What is a characteristic of good gunstock wood?

A characteristic of good gunstock wood involves having very close fibers. This quality contributes to the overall strength and stability of the wood, making it less prone to warping or splitting under stress. Close fibers also enhance the appearance of the wood, as they can provide a smoother finish and can be better suited for precise carving and detailing required for gunstocks.

While having a consistent color (as suggested by one of the other choices) can be aesthetically pleasing, it is not as critical to the functionality and durability of the gunstock as the density and closeness of the fibers. Heavy varnishing can protect the wood, but it does not indicate the inherent quality of the wood itself. Prominent grain visibility can be attractive but does not directly correlate with the functional attributes of the wood. Therefore, the characteristic of having very close fibers stands out as essential in identifying high-quality gunstock wood.