I've been in that same situation but of course for different guns. I yearned for one of the Bill Davis-influenced 686-3 National Match 5" revolvers but with only 500 having been made 25 years ago, ones for sale were few and far between. I made an attempt to own one several years ago but didn't think it was worth more than $1,300, my maximum comfortable bid.
Then about two years ago, I saw another one on GB and bid on it. I went as far as $1,300 several times but was either outbid or didn't break the seller's reserve. It went through numerous five-day auctions without selling and at the end of the fifth or sixth auction, the high bid was $1,394 and still didn't hit the reserve. During the next auction, I decided to try $1,400 and to my surprise, that amount both did hit the reserve AND was not outbid.
For a time, I thought I might have overpaid for the gun but I still watch GB for them on about a weekly basis over the past two years or so and haven't seen another one for sale. After enjoying shooting it a lot, I have come to the conclusion that almost no amount is excessive if the item is both something you really want and is hard to come by.
Another gun I exceeded my comfort level when buying was a stainless steel S&W Performance Center 1911 Doug Koenig edition .38 Super. Again, while likely more than 500, a limited number of them were made and it has been a while since they were, so prices are up there for nice unaltered ones - when you actually find one for sale. The last ones sold on GB went for an average of $1,750 and it had been two years since the last sale so I offered a member of this forum $1,950 shipped for his like-new one that came with its aluminum case and some extras. I like it so much that I sold my other Supers and shoot this gun the most of my 1911s.
It's only money and you can't take it with you.
Ed
At the end of the day buy if you want it and it makes you happy.
