I can't fault the '97 for reliability. My wife and I each have one and we pounded hers mercilessly at a recent three gun event. This required the use of 10 slugs per shooter in one stage. Fortunately, we found a supply of Winchester 1200 fps 1 oz. loads so recoil was minimal.
I'm considering cutting the barrel of one of my M12s to 22" just for WB. Hate to as two are in 28" MC, the other 30" FC. Our club is considering adding skeet to the mix next year, so it could double as a skeet gun.