Travis made a lot of good points - agree with them all. I've never owned a 97 but am on my 4th 83. I started buying them in the late 1980's and was able to get them for around $1000 new then. Owned 3 different ones up until the mid 1990's and went to Ruger Bisleys after that. I truly appreciate the quality / precision, and the FA folks are wonderful people, but don't think I could justify the price of a new one today.
In 2009 I was passing through Post Falls and Cabelas had a used premier grade 83 454 with a Leupold 2x in FA mounts with original box and papers - $1200. At that time, they were typically in the $1700 range without scope (used / locally), so it came home with me. Wasn't sure I really wanted another one, but the price was too good not to - knew I could sell it for more than I was into it. I still have it and doubt I'll let it go, and can say I do prefer the 83 grip to the Bisley.
