I recently purchased a NIB w.papers 17-9 for $625 on an auction
site but have not yet picked it up.Before buying it I asked my dealer if he could match the price.He informed me that his own cost is $700.So if there is someone who knows about S&W
pricing policies,why is the internet seller able to sell it at a fire
sale price?I do very much welcome your thinking on this matter

Is the seller you bought it from on the auction site a dealer?

If not, and a private seller I can understand that,
since I myself have a 17-9 NIB with papers
that I would sell for $685 shipped to an FFL.

I paid more $$ for it, but I have my eye
on another purchase that I could
put the money towards!

Could possibly be something like that.

Actually the seller is an established desler

I forgot to mention that I think you got a very good deal!