Ive been shooting my new 97 .17 for a couple of weeks now and really enjoying it. Being new to sprinters, I have some questions that I'd like to throw out here. First, if I have it tuned (or put a kit in myself) what would be a realistic expectation re less cocking effort, smoother shot cycle, less jump etc. Also, I adjusted the trigger pull down to 12oz but noticed that now the big gold screw is quite loose and vibration from repeated shooting will result in changes in pull weight. Is there a simple remedy for this? A drop of blue thread locker didn't help. Thanks. Uj
 
I installed an ARH OSX adjustable kit in my HW97 .177. I am running it at max spacing and am getting 12fpe. Cocking and shot cycle are noticeably milder than stock. 

You might be able to fix the trigger issue by bending the lock tab for the weight adjustment screw. Just a thought, but maybe you could try decreasing sear engagement with the front torx screw under the trigger guard, which might allow you to turn the weight screw in more and still get a 12oz break. Proceed with caution if you try that, as too little sear engagement can case the trigger to let go unexpectedly.

Have fun!
 
Most of the springers are (were ) designed to be shot right around 12ft.lbs Had a discussion with one of the best spring gun tuners there ever was recently and according to him most spring guns are more accurate the closer to 12ft.lbs than 14 or 15. He told me the TX200'S will perform their best right at 13 - 13.5, but the HW97 is at its best just below 12. Back in 91' my first TX was tuned to 13 ftlbs by him before I even touched it. That was probably the nicest shooting springer I have owned. Have an HW 97 that I am going to put the ARH 12ft.lbs adjustable kit in and see how it compares to a 12ft.lbs TX. 
 
My HW77K averages 889fps from factory spring shooting Kaiser 8.64grs. Same exact internals as HW97K. It shoots excellent right out of the box. Pellet on pellet at 25yds. I'm not changing a thing nor do I think it is less accurate than one with a spring kit. The same can be said about my HW97K. The only thing a lighter spring will do is reduce the vibration.
 
My HW97K averages 889fps from factory spring shooting Kaiser 8.64grs It shoots excellent right out of the box. Pellet on pellet at 25yds. I'm not changing a thing nor do I think it is less accurate than one with a spring kit.

I don't blame you. If you are satisfied with the way it shoots and the accuracy you get from it then for sure leave it be. I'm just the type that needs to take things apart and see what makes them tick. One thing I have found though is no matter who makes something, if it's mass produced, it can always be improved. 
 
While the gun is inherently just as accurate with OEM parts or a Vortek kit, and there’s a lot to be said about the shooter’s ability to know his gun and shoot it well, a spring gun that is less jumpy and less jarring to the shooter will be more accurate just due to these factors alone. 

This of course is just my opinion, based on my particular experience, your mileage may vary. If you can shoot your gun like a laser and are happy with it out of the box, you are golden.