A lot of people say the Pythons are more fragile, but I have one that is ancient, obviously a daily holster gun for a LEO. Don't know how many rounds have been through it. Judging by the finish wear from being tightly gripped, a lot. I have fired about 1500 handloads and it is as tight and accurate as ever. Tough? I think so.
I'm a big fan of the GP100, too. When not being used for shooting it can serve as a bludgeon on medium-sized dinosaurs. Mine had a 4" barrel and we knocked golf balls around out to 30 yards, easily. Gave it to a friend who lets me visit it on occasion.
The 686+ with 5" slab-sided barrel, well, here's what happened. Our oldest son is professional military. When he was home one time I had a ".357 Magnum" day at the range, featuring the Python, GP100 and 686+. As he fired the Python I waited with chest puffed out for him to proclaim it the best. Instead, he said the 686 trigger was best, hands down.
On another occasion I took a Python to a gunsmith friend ONLY because I wanted to brag about the fine trigger. He fired one shot and said "OH, I can fix THAT!" I watched in shock as he hurried to his bench, opened the gun and fiddled with stuff inside - - - and made the trigger better. *sigh*
I guess a lot of that is subjective. Once I got the 686+ the Python became a safe queen. They are simply different guns and the 686+ suited my use better.
THEN I got a S&W 627-5 Performance Center “.357 MAG - 8 TIMES. *I* think there ain't nothin' better in .357 Mag. I've had to fight my Charming Children to keep it. The professional military one then stole the 686+. BUT, I know where to find it. Him. Them.