Same as others that have posted on this thread, LEO in West TN and grew up hearing the stories, some loved him other hated him but nonetheless the stories are entertaining. I too have always wondered why he went from a .41 mag M58 to the Python, I was more curious as I was younger but back when my grandfather was alive he told me his opinion and while a .41 is a big boy ammo wasn't readily available all the time especially in rural areas and also a Colt Python was something else to a law man back in the day! My grandfather had one and I have it now and it was a lot of money to their measly salary back in those days. We are Smith fans but we have always cherished our Pythons and .357 was no slouch.
Just my thoughts it wasn't so much the power,but more of the prestige and obviously Buford liked showing out a bit!