Opinions Appreciated: to trade a 97b

[Masonread318]

I'm at a crossroads with what to do. I bought a 97b in 2014. I even went to cajun gun works and held a stock and davids personal gun. I know what they could be because his was a freaking dream. Of course i realize thats Davids gun we are talking about and its anything but normal. I thought ok i can deal with a stock gun, but as it turns out its just too big for me. I do know that you can spend the money and get it how you like it. Around the same time i was diagnosed with a pretty bad arthritis  (Anklosing Spondilitis)  since then all of my extra cash has went to my drs and ungodly expensive medicine and tests every visit. I went out on disability back in january due to constantly being sick and hurting myself so bad i can barely walk. Let alone pick up anything. Money is tight and all of my favorite hobbies are put to the side. I hate it to.
I have sold or given my kids all of my big rifles and have stepped down to smaller caliber guns. 223 and 243 is the max i can shoot now and i flinch when i shoot those. If i shoot my mini 14 i can overcome the flinch in about 10 rounds but it sucks as far as accuracy goes.
I need to have a gun to get a few deer with because i depend on the meat now. I even had to build a box stand because i cant sit still now i scare everything away. Its more than painful for me to hunt but its a neccessisty for my family. I really like my 97 for peace of mind and can shoot it ok, but not as good as I'd like to. I really need to shorten that trigger to get it under control. But like i said, money is tight , and i need a small caliber rifle to hunt with. I also need a decent gun like the sp01 that i can handle without spending any money. Of course i also realize that i could have bought the reach reduction kit from cajun gun works by the time i spend the money shipping and ffl costs for trading. Ive never been so indecisive about anything before so a what would you do opinion would be appreciated. I really do like the 97 and do have a couple of rifles i can hunt with but i cant figure out what i should do. Theres something about being forced to upgrade a gun that just rubs me wrong. A $700 gun should need nothing but its standard practice nowadays

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[CZ Aficionado]

I own both the SP01 Tactical and 97BD, I did a reach reduction on both, the 97 is a smoother shooting gun than the 9mm. The 9mm, though a smaller caliber, is snappier in recoil due to the higher pressure of the round. I would get the work done or do it yourself on the 97. Keep and use your .223/.243 for hunting and fix up the 97. I agree a $700 gun shouldn't need anything, but alas most do to reach their full potential. Hope this helps.....

[Masonread318]

Thanks. This has been a really difficult decision for me. It took me a year and a half to get the gun. I have flipped flopped so many times its pitiful.

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[rich63]

I read your story and you are definitely in a difficult position. I don't have your particular back problems, but I have been plagued with some kind of back issue for nearly 30 years. For me multiple surgeries and the aftermath that comes with it. Try to keep your 97 if you can. I have read on this forum where some of the forum members have worked on other member guns. I don't recall if any price was involved or not. Perhaps, depending on where you live, one of the members would be willing to give you a helping hand. This forum and its members are great people. Hope everything works out for you. Good luck.

rich63

[Masonread318]

Thanks. I guess it makes sense to keep it. This disease has gotten the best of me. Im only 39 years old but feel like im 90. I wouldnt wish it on anyone and couldnt have possibly dreamed that i would be in this shape even 3 years ago.

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[SPO1SHADOW]

Where are you located?

[Masonread318]

Louisiana. Actually an hour away from cgw

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[SPO1SHADOW]

I was going to offer some free help but you are a looong way from me.

[Masonread318]

I appreciate the thought.
Think ill go shoot it

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[ZardozCZ]

CZ 83 might be a better choice for you all around, Lehigh extreme defender rounds are very effective, easy to rack, 12+1 and shorter reach. Trigger is best stock from CZ that I've experienced. Could be a winner without costly upgrades.

Start rubbing magnesium chloride into your skin daily. Aka mag oil. Might be more helpful than docs and pills. Google it.