I hear folks say Pythons aren't durable or aren't worth the price. These folks are wrong (to a point). On Durability, they are extremely durable. The Python I bought dated 1957 with lots of finish wear was smooth as butter and the lockwork was tight and reliable.
Yes, that's 1957! Smooth....as....butter. I'm sure you could buy a high-end S&W revolver and spend lots of time finding a gunsmith who will charge you lots of money to make it feels as good as a Python.
On price. At $2,000, a nice example is worth it. At $2,300 - probably still worth it. At $3,000+, I'm skeptical. At $4,000+, no thanks, I'll find a nice used Korth...maybe. There's a restored Korth with buy it now price of nearly $10K Gunbroker.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/607278030
I've heard Korth is your only alternative to finding an action as smooth and tight as a Python. I don't know, I've never been able to afford a Korth and no one is offering to let me play with theirs (heck, I don't even know someone around here who has one!). I've shot plenty of revolvers, none as nice as the Python. Did I happen to mention that mine is almost 60 years old? And works quite well? Colt gave it a refinish, but didn't need to do a thing to the action.