price of that model of gun when new in 2004 (which is the date of manufacture for a 197) was $664-$710.
that was the suggest manufacturers price.
i know the stainless i picked up in 2007 cost me $810 at the LGS and my current one cost me $769.50 in 2012 but that is a blued one not a stainless.
the current pricing of the mini 14's has escalated over the last 2 years to their absurd high price that they are at currently around $1200.
so thats some pricing trends for new for ya.
dont know if that helps or not.
i know a fella who has been selling his stainless mini 14 for a couple years (not listing it, he just mentions that he will sell it if people ask) and he wants $800 for it, $750 cash for a 'cash is king' sale, but like i said he's been sitting on it for like 4-5 years now and no nibbles.
i would say if your wanting to sell it fast list it at $700 and it will probably sell fast.
if you want to make some money go 800-850 but it may take a bit.
those damn mini 14's are not the inexpensive plinker's they once where.