The latest Colt Python is identical to its 3", 4.25" and 6" stablemates other than its 5" barrel. The difference and the magic is in that "in between" barrel length.

The 21/2-inch barreled .357 Mag. reviewed in these pages in February 1964 was 7¾-inches long and weighed in at 33½ ounces. Not inexpensive, it sold for $125 a half-century ago.