It's really a personal choice. I build my own rifles and most of the times I have paid the extra money to get a nice piece of curley maple because I personally like it better. Many times, the stock is the most expensive component of the rifle but if you look at the overall cost of the parts package, an extra $150. is not that much more. If you build your own rifle there is no labor charge.

One thing for sure, A well made flint or percussion rifle with a nice curley maple stock is an eye catcher.