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Never owned a 97, but have used them on and off,here and there. IMO, still one of the best repeaters ever devised.
A couple things....
In 12 gauge, they are a bit heavy in the uplands. The 16s, OTOH, are nigh perfect for that.
The slightly industrial look is part of their charm. New wood can improve both looks and fit.
Downsides include that some 97s are getting tired and need attention from a specialist like Simmons or Nu Line.
And one will only high wrist a 97 while shucking once.
Some 97s have been cursed by The Demon of Short Chambers. Determine your chamber length by having your smith measure it, not by "My grandad and Dad shot the heck out of this with 2 3/4" loads since the Coolidge era". If the chamber's short, use appropriate ammo from Polywad, Gamebore, Ely, etc.
Once past those hurdles, go shoot it.....
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