I love my model 12 & 97's. I only own examples in 16 gauge, not sure why that is either, just how it worked out. My 97 was made in 1914, it's heavy but it's very dynamic and shoots like a dream. It's my 16 year olds favorite gun to hunt with, it's my goto dove gun. I like older model 12's with short barrels, no rib and corn cobb forends. I believe these are lighter in weight, handle much better and are better made than the later guns. I've had examples from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's on my bench torn down to the bits and can say that the guns made in the 20's and 30's are in my opinion the best of the lot. I hunted with a early 1930's model 12 16 gauge, 26" solid rib with mod choke for most of the sharp tail season and rarely missed, it was just a killer. It weighs 6lbs 10 oz and is just an incredible hunting gun.
By the way, I've never busted my knuckles working the 97'. Never even came close.
