Sherz, I have had the same dilemma for a while. Lucky enough to own a lovely older 77k in .177, but still interested in a 97.
Thought I wouldn't buy a 97 unless it was in a different caliber. After shooting my friends .22 caliber 97k - which is egregiously accurate! - I started to lean maybe.
Then AoA offered the 97k's in walnut and I ordered one in .177. Why?
Well, 1. They really are different in stock feel etc if not in pellet performance. 2. You never know what rifle will like which pellets, and 3. in my case if I find that I truly prefer one over the other, I'll sell the other.
To me, having the "old school" 77 as well as a 2024 vintage 97 with whatever manufacturing changes have been made feels like having two different rifles.
And it doesn't hurt that the walnut on my new 97k is gorgeous, even compared to the Goudy stock on the 77k. Doesn't hurt at all!