Quite a few affordable options for K frames, but yeah legit N frames in perfect condition are going pretty high. If you ever want a chuckle pop over to GB and do a search.
Here's how nuts it is. Had an 6-1/2" 29-2 with box and docs unfired.
A few years back I traded that 29 and $300 for an SR-15 E3 mod1 with maybe 50 rounds down the pipe and all the factory stuff. This was when you could buy a new SR-15 for just over 2 grand.
Guy trading it to me was very happy. So was I.
eta: just went back and looked. Wasn't a few years back was 2014 but still, crazy values for top condition N-frames even back then.