Editing Colt Python (section)

===Development and design===
The Colt Python did not have an intensive development program, it was essentially gunsmiths on the production floor trying to come up with a match revolver using mostly existing pieces and parts, and what they created was one of the "finest-looking handguns ever made" according to Keefe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keefe |title=Colt's Pythons |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/colt-s-pythons-then-now/ |website=American Rifleman |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

Al De John, who started with Colt in 1946 as a gunsmith, worked with factory superintendent Al Gunther. De John started to tinker with the .38 Special Officer's Model Match beefing up the cylinder, frame, and top-strap due to problems with blowback and firing pins from the excessive pressure from the .357 Magnum hammering the recoil plate.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/colt_python_complete_history/138916 | title=Colt Python: A Complete History | date=December 21, 2015 }}</ref> The recoil plate, a separate piece set into the frame, was eliminated by putting the firing-pin hole directly into the frame and making the top strap and crane more robust.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/colt_python_complete_history/138916 | title=Colt Python: A Complete History | date=December 21, 2015 }}</ref> Al Gunther first suggested having the iconic vent rib across the barrel. The Python snake name for the revolver came from Colt sticking to their reptilian revolver naming, following the 1950 .38 Special "Cobra". Thus the "Python" was the second snake moniker for Colt's lineup.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/colt_python_complete_history/138916 | title=Colt Python: A Complete History | date=December 21, 2015 }}</ref> The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model and was originally intended to be a large-frame [[.38 Special]] target revolver.<ref name="Thompson"/> As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights.<ref name="Thompson"/> Colt revolver cylinders rotate clockwise compared to counter-clockwise of other revolvers (like [[Smith & Wesson]] or [[Sturm, Ruger & Co.|Ruger]]). When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. As the trigger is pressed, the cylinder moves into lockup by the hand, and it is locked tightly. The Colt is locked up tight when the hammer falls. Colt claims that since the cylinder rotates to the right, this forces the cylinder into the frame, opposite of the Smith & Wesson.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comparing Old to New Pythons |url=https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/classic-vs-modern-comparing-colts-original-and-new-357-pythons/}}</ref> The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity.<ref name="hawks"/>