While early on I used my Python for everything, as it was the only ship I owned, I have since relegated it to 'armed trader' missions only. But I have never had any problems taking out NPCs with gimbaled weps in haz res sites. Not sure why anyone would need turrets on a Python, unless it is a stock A-rated/non-engineered ship. Or maybe some folks just haven't learned how to fly a Python yet. It's more of a challenge to fly/fight in a Python that a FDL, that's for sure.
As someone else mentioned earlier, the Python gets a bit twitchy with G5 DD drives. I am seriously considering backing my engines down to G3 DDs as I spent so many months fighting with those I am more comfortable with them.
In PvE (which is all I do), there is not a NPC that my Python cannot kill one-on-one. The SCB spammers are MUCH harder, but it can be done. Everything else is a piece of cake. I don't even bother with armor or SCBs, as I don't need them for interdictions. The fight doesn't last long enough to require them. But to be honest, my Python cannot sit in a haz res for hours like my FDL and Corvette can. In order to do that, I would have to completely reconfigure it as a battle Python.