What something is worth is really in the eye of the beholder. Back in 1979 I paid about $460 for my M41 and though that was ridiculous then but I really wanted it. It's been shot for 38 years and I could probably get at least $900 to $1000 for it because it's still in great shape, original box, papers and tools. Not selling it though.
In 1979 the only two choices I was considering was the High Standard and the M41. I really liked the HS a bit better but was totally turned off by the controls. The magazine release was a pull type release at the bottom of the grip frame (very clumsy to use) and the slide release was on the right side of the gun which for any right handed person is dumb IMO because it's quite awkward to use when you are holding the gun in your right hand. If it were not for those two things I would have bought the High Standard. I think it was about $75 bucks less at the time.
Anyway, my M41 has served me quite well, is a very high end and exquisitely made target pistol and now worth 2 1/2 times what I paid.
Today there are more choices in 22's. If you are looking strictly for a plinker, look at the new Ruger Mark IV. It's vastly improved over their other Marks, about 1/3 the price of the M41 but not in the same ballpark as far as trigger, over all quality, fit & finish. Ruger triggers usually kind of suck - OK for plinking but not good for serious target work. Like comparing a Kia to a Mercedes - but yes they will both get you to the office.
You also have Browning's Buck Mark, S&W Victory, etc, but again IMHO in high end .22 target pistols the M41 is kind of by itself UNLESS you want to buy a Volquartzen converted Ruger Mark IV which price wise is about the same as the M41 or higher depending on the model.
You also might consider a used M41 which IMO are a bit better than new ones and you could save about $400 bucks (with tax) for a nice one. The reason I say better is because the older ones have solid Walnut Grips instead of laminated ones, they have real roll markings instead on laser engraved, the bluing is a bit more blue and nicer than the new finish S&W is currently using (I believe a little more durable too) and the magazines are all metal as opposed to the new ones with the plastic followers.
So the bottom line is you have to weigh what it's worth to you. BTW not that I have a crystal ball, but I too would not be surprised if one day soon S&W discontinues the M41. It is not that popular a .22 anymore and probably one of their most expensive guns to manufacture. They also have a few cheaper .22's which are vastly out selling the M41 so I would not be shocked to find out it was discontinued one day. That will only make the prices higher.