I was in a similar situation last week over a 686-1 2.5".
I ended up buying it and have zero regrets, I paid $540 for it. It's off to S&W now for a 30+ year old recall.
My biggest heart and mind battle lasted over 10 years and was about a knife. I just couldn't see paying $400 for a damn pocket knife.
Was at a local gun shop a couple weeks ago, and saw one in person for the first time. Shop owner let me play with it a while. Pure craftsmanship. It took every fiber in my body to leave the store without one, but I did. I also went back and bought one 3 days later. I have a weak spot for a nice auto knife.
My newest, favorite, and oldest.