Hi,
Just in case anyone's interested in how these compare in terms of int'l level target competition, here is a nice photo chart that pits the Python, the 686, the 586, and a .S&W 14 up against each other. Ammo used is mostly match grade 38 Special.
All fired at 25M, offhand bullseye style, by a Swedish competitor.

I believe the results were published in Visier or one of the other Euro journals.

http://ake_nordin.ownit.nu/frilans/38special/index.html

Best Regards,
Jim