I have a High Standard 12 gauge Sport Deluxe ( 2 3/4" chamber, 26" barrel, modified choke, vent rib, checkered walnut, picture of a grouse engraved on reciever, 5+1 capacity)that my dad bought me back in the early 70's (price was $125 +tax). I have used this gun A LOT for over 25 years and have never had a single problem. They are a pretty simple but rugged design that will take as much as any other out there. Mine has seen a lot of magnum loads while waterfowl and turkey hunting. From the time mine was new, the action was so slick that with the muzzle pointed up, if you hit the release button, the slide would completely open. I also really like the position of the safety, on the front of the trigger guard. I have seen a couple of the short barreled models for sale in my area lately(darn near bought one of them) both were in good to very good shape and had price tags of $140 and $150. Most of the sporting models I have seen were in the same price range, condition didn't really seem to matter, so your dealer is probably a little high.
Bergie