A Python does not offer $1500 in improvement over the other guns mentioned, besides having a more delicate lock work than the others. I would see what felt the best to me knowing that I could change out the grips to help get the feel I wanted. S&W would give you more options in this area. A nice K frame should suit you very well based on what you plan for it but a Colt has that unique look with that sexy trigger guard.
