The price of a Colt Python is 'ridiculous'. Until you own and shoot one (or several). Then you have a different perspective. If I could get 5 of these repros for the cost of one original Python, I'd save until I could get the real thing. Barring that, as several mentioned, I'd get a really decent, older S&W off the EE, and shoot it. Model 28-2, 19-x, would be my pick, you can still get those for a decent price and they are great revolvers. That repro is like getting a 427 Shelby Cobra fiberglass kit car powered by a Toyota 4 cylinder and saying it looks like the real thing. Why?
And for those who say you can't have a Python for under $5000 as I read in the closed thread....nonsense. You can have a nice shooter for under $2500. If you don't believe it, PM me and I'll sell you one of mine.