I have found open pored blanks to be slightly less strong than closed pore blanks as a rule. They do tend to be lighter as mentioned. But to judge you have to see each blank in person. If your open pore blank can be dented by your thumb nail be very cautious. What I look for is dense wood with either quarter sawed or in some case flat sawed layout.

If the stock is too heavy when shaped you can always bore holes in the rear to make it lighter and to balance the gun.