Maybe so... I just looked at my 1993 Desert Eagle Catalog... so 30 years ago the 10" and 14" barrels were less than $350... this is when the guns were listed at $999 retail as well though.

Looking back through records, I paid $355 each for two new .357 magnum barrels in 2017.  I bought a new 10" 357 from Magnum Research in 2018 for $498. (this was after they had stopped production of 10" barrels, but they found a handful of really old Israeli made MkXIX 10" 357's and sold them through the web site)  I also see I have bought a number of used 10" barrels for less than $300 on various sites.

I suppose lower prices are a thing of the past now though, as the demand is there and the supply isn't and won't be for another couple of years.  I am not gun builder, but as a machinist, I can see a lot of time in these barrels with a couple of very specialized procedures required.

We shall see.  Again, I am glad I have all the Desert Eagle stuff I ever wanted. :)

MrBlackCat