For a new one, MSRP is closer to $1,600. Today’s gun buying frenzy has allowed sellers to ask well above MSRP because people will pay it. At some point this will end, but right now it’s a sellers market so gun/ammo prices across the board are loco.
For a nice used Python, these guns still carry a ton of cachet earned from decades of hand fitting with exquisite actions, workmanship and finishes. From day one, this made the Python among the highest priced .357 revolvers commonly encountered in the US.
The 686 is my favorite .357 for almost every use, but the days of them being lower cost Python alternatives are almost gone. Just today on GB I saw used ones that are bidding up well North of $1,000 (selling price, tax, shipping, transfer fees), this for a decent condition gun with no frills.
Stay safe.