A wooden butt nicely done was often equated with top workmanship. It is more difficult to make than simply slapping a buttplate on the end. The wood grain had to be laid out properly to avoid chipping, etc. and it was considered poor form to rest a gun on the ground with the barrel up (still is). Personally, for my true upland guns I prefer the wooden butt and wont even look at a upland gun with a recoil pad installed. Just a personal preference.

John McCain is my war hero.