Just got my python destroyed in combat zone about 20-30 sec or so, from full shields and hull into zero, with 3-4 shots. I'm not angry or whatsever, but the man wonders, What was that? To take down a heavily armored even if poorly tuned Python this fast?
Sounds like rail Asps or Vipers with rails in the medium hard points (If your were killed by NPC). Conflict zones are all about avoiding too many attackers at the same time. 30-40 seconds sound like plenty to assess the situation, put 4 pips to SYS/shields and get out of the heat quickly.
If it was a player, Engineered guns are even more brutal.
Do you have engineered shields or at least shield cell banks? Did you have 4 pips to SYS?
In general, do not bring a Python to a conflict zone without 1-2 shield cell banks or plenty of engineering. Without, it is just a well armed trader.