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.

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.

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.