Jack,
It depends on the gun and style of action. The boxlocks by design have more bearing surface to absorb recoil and evenly
distribute it and are less inclined to problems. Sidelocks, especially the L.C. Smith, are more prone to developing cracks due to the lack of bearing surface. It also depends on how well the stock was fitted when it was originally made. I have restored L.C. Smith guns that were so well fitted that they showed no sign of trouble after having been well used for the many decades since they were made. The british "best" guns seem
to hold up well for the same reason.
It also depends on the current condition of the wood. Stock heads that are oil soaked should definitely have the oil drawn from them and bedding is a good follow-up to that treatment.
A more direct answer is that bedding a gun that you intend to shoot often is good insurance against crack development.
Hope this helps.
Dan
