And another 44 Mag to ponder

Like Jim said used model 629s are running $1200 or more if you can find one. The short barrel models are even more. I haven't been without a 629 or model 29 in years. The original "Dirty Harry" model 29s are running a much more. The model 629s and the unusual models are sky high.

The limited issue guns like the Lew Horton 657, 629, 625 among others are running $3500 and up even in good used condition used, if you can find one.

Years ago in the late 1980s at our shop in Sarasota Florida I would take our S&W factory rep out for diner and pump him for info on what special Smiths were heading our way and if possible I would build as many similar Smiths ahead of Horton. One of those specials was the Smith model 29 snubbie with the unfluted cylinder and custom finger groove grips.We would engrave them, do an action job on them and our deluxe Black Chromex finish and still sell them for around $750.

A fellow called me a while back asking if $995 was too much to pay for one of those special model 29s. He had bought one at a gun show in northern Florida and his buddies told him he got ripped off at $995, and the gun was unfired, new in the box. I told him if he decided to move it that I would buy it at the $995 price. I never heard more from him.
One of the S&W specials back then around 1999 or 2000 was a limited issue model 57, 41 Magnum, 8" with the special front sight with the 4 position for silhouette shooting. It was his factory demo sales model. I did my best to get that model 57 special demo from him but later I saw him and he said he never could get any orders for it so he sent it back to the factory. I never saw or heard of any more of that special model. Kase knew I had the hots for that gun and told me I would have rechambered it to the 41 GNR and ruined it's value. He was probably right.
The N frame models aren't the only ones in demand. I gave Colleen a 2" model 66 in 357 Magnum. They were rare back then and even more rare these days. She has been offered around $2000 for it.
These days any N frame and some special K frame Smiths are a great investment.