Make sure you're buying from someone who'll guarantee the blank with at least a replacement if turning reveals an internal flaw that is the kiss of death for the stock (which increases in likelihood the fancier you go in blanks), and plan on turning it into a stock relatively quickly so you can capitalize on said guarantee, since even if they offer one, they're probably not gunna honor it if you make it into a stock 10 years from now.

Friend went for a custom stock from Krieghoff. Want to say he chose a 8 or 10k blank. Part way through turning a flaw opened up, so that was the end of the story for that blank, in the dumpster and pick a new blank, start all over again.

 

Skeet mans right. I've had a blank that had that happen and glad they stood by it.

Also drying is the big issue with wood. You have to just wait and give it time to air dry them. Kiln dried blanks can have issues from how fast they get dried.

Call or email Cecil out in Las Vegas. I've gone through 3 of his blanks and they are top notch. My favorite US stock maker uses his blanks exclusively (one of the OEMs uses his blanks as well).

Gunstock Blanks | Cecil Fredi | Gun Stock Blanks

I've picked up some really good deals on blanks from him and they are all air dried in the las vegas heat for years.

 

I'm pretty sure all the stocks Tom Smith made for me came from Cecil.