I shot a Python many years ago, and it was fine - a worked-on and silky DA, but preferred my M29.
Yes- the 4 1/4" is what I should have done.

I had just shortened a new 6" to 4" and was getting back into the .44 saddle again, when the Libtard Government declared it a Saturday Night Special and made it a Prohibited Handgun. Oh well, it doesn't limit what I can use it for as like me, it's Grandfathered. LOL