...The 2x4 studs (I mean by God 2x4s) in my 50 year old house must be pre-drilled to drive a nail, and the rings are so close together that its hard to count them.
While I agree about old growth and strength and all that, The having to drill your 50 year old house studs is more of an apples and oranges comparison to me.
My experience showed any 50 year old stud needs to be pre-drilled or risk cracking it, regardless of ring count.
I find with thin boards the strength comes from the cut of the grain. Not much 1/4 sawn around any more and lots of open faces
