shortblades up to far into mid level is a lot cheaper because there are affordable UL sib options.
same goes for longblades.
There are no cheap ul sib options for ranged weaponry, only limited
an example: songkra corrosive dagger sells for 600 ped, 2.892 eco and 43 dps.
you cannot buy an unlimited sib ranged pistol or rifle for that price.
if you amp it up with a melee amp VI it has 2.964 eco and 64 dps , that's the same dps as an isis hl15/A106 combo.
for longblades there is also a nice upgrade path
start with a tt-longblade, then go to a greek blade like a falx/labrys, then work your way up from glacier sword to philosopher, hero, archon and then the shagadi disintegration sword. None of these swords pass the 1k mark in purchase price.
shagadi sword has 2.9 eco and 41 dps and can be amped with amp VII for 2.971 eco and 61 dps.
Only if you want something more powerful the prices get in line with ranged options.