Model 63's of both 4 inch and 2 inch lengths have gotten expensive, especially the 2 inchers. The shorter guns just aren't common; you can swing a dead cat for weeks and not hit one.

I think, between the scarcity of the gun, the utility of a J frame .22 and the price of new, currently made S&W's, you did fine. It is the kind of gun that if you want one, and just don't luck into a good deal, you have to pay the price.