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 Senior Vice President for Commercial Business Paul Spitale made one of his missions t o get back into the double-action revolver business, with the Python as his ultimate goal.

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 ...

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.

Arsenal Firearms produced the double-barreled handgun to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Colt 1911-A1, which has been the preferred sidearm of the U.S. Military since World War II.