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.

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) ...

The new Python was only offered in two barrel length however, 4.25" and 6", leading to customer requests for Colt to reintroduce the shorter 3" barreled model as well.

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.