On a whim I stopped by the local gun store today and saw an unbelievably nice Model 1897 in 12 gauge for $500.00.  The bluing is so nice that at first I thought that it might have been reblued at some time.  The store manager is a friend and assured me that it was not.  The bore is great.  The wood is very nice. 

They also have a Winchester Model 12 in 16 gauge that has a little more wear on the metal, but it has an English style stock.  The asking price on that one is $600.00. 

I only have enough money for one of these shotguns.  I like old guns, and 16 gauge doesn't scare me as I have friends who have them, and I can get all of the reloads that I want. 

Does anybody out there have any experience with either of these shotguns, and if so do the prices seem right?