Gun authority Chuck Hawks states that his Python came from the factory with a paper target featuring a, “3/4-inch, 6 shot group fired by hand at 25 yards” using factory ammunition.

One of seven mid-20th century Colt handguns named after snakes, the Python was introduced in 1955. The Python was a beefy, all steel and wood revolver chambered in .357 Magnum.

In June 1955, Colt’s Mfg. Co.’s new masterpiece, the Python double-action revolver, was first shipped from the Hartford, Conn., factory, beginning a half-century of continuous production.

Colt's Legendary Python Six-Shooter Is Back and Even Better Colt Manufacturing Company LLC’s reintroduced .357 Python revolver shown at SHOT Show 2020’s range day. (Military.com photo/Matthew Cox) ...

Colt has taken the envelope and aesthetic of the original Colt Python and created a more consistent user experience from shot to shot. The tried-and-true design has evolved, adapting to changing needs ...

On the range with one of the new production Pythons. Since its re-introduction, Colt has added an additional variant, a 3" barreled model, to the Python series lineup in January 2022.