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.

In 1983 the revolver was offered in stainless steel—both matte and high-polish—and featured neoprene stocks. The 2 1/2" stainless was discontinued in 1994, and an 8" stainless was added in 1989.

The new Python comes in two versions, one with a 4.5-inch barrel and one with a six-inch barrel. The barrels are machined from one piece of stainless steel and the trigger has been improved over ...