Now, I don't know about Texas, but like Michael T has stated before, prices in Fl are high. About 6 months ago, I got a HC P32 in Orlando for $270 before tax. At that time, GM in Orlando was getting $259 for the blued model, I considered my $270 a good deal for around here.
If you can get a decent price on a firearms transfer near you or aren't far away for Amarillo, contact CDNN, they have The Best prices on KT's. Again, a few months ago they were getting $198 for blued P32's with only $13 to ship.
If you really want a P32, if it were me, I'd get my butt back into that store and work a deal FAST on the HC P32 you saw. The HC finish is for me much more desirable if you plan to carry it or live in a corrosion/rust prone area. There is also a non-confirmed rumor/theory that since KT sends the barrels/slides off to be HC plated, they pick the better examples of the ones they have to send off.
I think the above points help in the HC versions being higher priced than the blue models and MU
CH harder to find. If you snooze on that HC you're gonna lose (on that pistol at least) I wouldn't expect it sit on the shelf very long. That $299 price is within $30-40 of what that pistol would go for most anywhere in the country.