As buyers we get caught in the "supply vs. demand", demand for revolvers overall has increased, and so people are seeking out .22 LR revolvers, and the demand is exceeding the supply.

.22 LR revolvers are in demand because they can use pretty much any .22 LR you can stuff into the chambers, from shorts to ultra-hot ultra velocity stuff. Auto loading .22's are a lot more ammo sensitive and cannot use the low power stuff reliably.