The black rubber donuts even in very substantial widths can look OK if they're properly faired to the stock and pad and finished without divots and scratching. No reason you can't put a bit of sweat equity into the practise of Mark Larson's art even on a utility gun if you want a wood extension. Coat of shellac and the fabled two-bristled sable should get you some sort of faux grain match which you can finish over.

jack