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.

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.