His prices are high but he needs only wait a few years and then put them back up for sale. He will find buyers quick. H&R is offering fewer and fewer calibers and models. The 45 colt in any version other than the 410/45 is gone now as is the 35 Remington, 222 Remington, 38-55, 22 Jet, 7X57, 7X64, 7.62X39, 7mm08 (20 inch), 357 Max, 45ML, and 58ML. Can't get a 357 Mag right now. Some of these chamberings may return, most will not.
Consider yourself fortunate if you can get a standard Handi for under $300. I can't except through Bud's or another outlet like that and with the transfer fees, if I can find a dealer to do it, the final cost is around $300. A Classic carbine, if they were even available, would run well over $400, probably close to $450. So while his asking prices are high, they are not crazy high.