They seem to retain their value quite well for a gun that is still in production, but I don't think they are of the same investment quality as a Colt Python. More people know the Colt name, and that will always be an advantage where average collectors are concerned. It will be easier to sell a Colt Python for what you want out of it than it will be a Freedom Arms gun.
From a use standpoint I think the Freedom Arms will handily beat the Colt from an overall accuracy, versatility, and durability standpoint. This is not to disparage the Python which is a fine revolver, and all the ones I have handled have been very nice. I would love to own one someday, but I am a shooter first and a collector a very distant second. I buy guns based on what they can do, and how well they function, so for me a Freedom Arms is more desirable for a hunting/field gun. That said, both the FA and the Python in my estimation fall under the category of functional art rendered in metal.
Now I do have a few complaints about the Freedom Arms, as no gun is perfect. First of all the stock sights on the Premier grade are not click adjustable for windage, and the elevation adjustments are fairly coarse. While the sights are extremely solid, and should hold up to extremely hard use they are not exactly target sights. In order to make a windage adjustment one has to loosen the set screw on the sight blade and then make the adjustment desired with a screw driver. There are no clicks, and you simply screw in the direction you want to go, and hope it is the right amount. Then you tighten the set screw back down. You will need three different screw drivers to make sight adjustments, since the elevation screw, windage set screw, and windage adjustment screw are all different sizes. Once you get sighted in the setup is super rock solid, but it might take awhile longer to accomplish than you are used to.
I would also prefer the Ruger style cylinder pin release over the FA style that requires yet another screw driver to back out the set screw, then again this is a very secure arrangement. I suppose if I had my druthers I would also really prefer a transfer bar safety to be incorporated into the Model 83 like it has been into the Model 97. Maybe someday Freedom Arms will make this upgrade, and retrofit existing guns. This is not a deal breaker for me, and the hammer safety notch with the sliding safety bar is very solid. In order to make it work you have to have a holster with a safety strap so the hammer can't be pulled back inadvertently. Best practice is to carry over an empty chamber.