Howdy Prof,
I'm not a great expert in 97s. I have two, both Winchesters and I didn't overpay, so be smart and slow.
This is my preference, so modify to your taste.
I like solid frame, genuine Winchester guns. I like a shorter stock than I would have thought at first. I don't care about the front sight. Blue, grey or brown, they all seem to be good working guns..
If you get serious, find a good gunsmith BEFORE you start cranking on the old girls.
Adios,