RC pretty much covered it. My wife shoots a solid frame '97 that was made in 1899, and has one for a backup. She likes it because the forearm is 1" closer to the receiver. It's a bear finding someone who can ream the chamber on a solid frame, though. I have a friend who ground down a chamber reamer to fit in the ejection slot of the 97, so he didn't have to remove the barrel to rechamber them.
I shoot take-down '97's myself. My original gun, which I just gave to a good friend, was made in 1912, but the one I switched to is a late gun, made in 1954. My Black Diamond Trap was made in 1926, and has seen a lot of use.
If I were going to buy a Model 97 to use, then it would probably be a take-down. You can also buy a Chinese copy of the solid frame for under $400.00, brand new. IAC just lowered the wholesale price, and that should trickle down to the dealers shortly.
Hope this helps.
Fred