It's all thanks to "Rick Grimes" acting sheriff in The Walking Dead with a Python. It's traceable in purchase price data.
At only $100 difference, the 686 became the elite class level revolver over the GP100. Having owned lots of both, the 686 has always been better.
Glock contracts doomed all revolvers sending them for significant thinning.
Something interesting happened in 2018/2019 where Ruger proved the 686 frame larger. Recall--frames don't fail on these guns. However, the new 7 shot model 1771 Ruger GP100 failed at roll out 20 years after the 7 shot 686. In the 1771, some factory rims touch each other and pushing the rounds out of chamber. Some do this and some don't. The 686 cylinder is larger and will not fit in a GP100 frame--ie the frame is bigger on the 686 than the often repeated "tank" GP100.
Now. Take that to a Python. While same size, the 686 is a 7 shot in a larger frame that feels the same.
On timing strength--the Python is a myth. Recall the Python Elite dead quickly as it came out of time fast.
So no only is the timing stronger in the 686 than the poorly timed Python, it's also got 7 round cylinder due to a bigger "L"--while feeling the same.
A $7 Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish can makes the 686 shine like the Python. Even made a few of my Taurus 66 revolvers shine like the Python. Pictured is one of my 66s half way through a polish. Note the shiny barrel.
It's TWD that makes people buy the Python today. You will get a better revolver with the 686. Without a doubt the Performance Center 686 is the better trigger. The only downside of the 686 is appearance of the now faked case hardening of the hammer and trigger. Other than that...No. The Python is worth 1,500 to TWD people. TV show appeal. The workhorse is the 686 followed by the GP100. The PC 686 if you want a factory trigger and enjoy the looks of the flat barrel (I don't).
Based on looks the Python is worth 1,500. Anything else? No. And that performance difference is had at half the price in the stronger 686.