ive never felt any other wheel gun function and feel as smooth as a colt python period.they are hand fitted and very good quality.i think the collectability and reputation is the only thing driving the price.if i found one at around 1000 i'd buy it in a heart beat.you are talking about the cadillac of revolvers, not a 350 dollar taurus.now for you taurus lovers they are fine weapons but you will never see a taurus revolver come close to a python.its like comparing apples and oranges. "i can buy this one for half as much and it works fine" that may be true but the quality and wheel lock up wont even be close.