Just a few short months ago, the new Colt Kodiak in .44 Remington Magnum made its way to my door, and we began to go over it immediately. The trigger pull was right at five pounds in single action and twelve in double action. The Kodiak uses the same leaf spring technology found in the Python hammer/trigger, giving it a more consistent nonstacking trigger pull from shot to shot. The widened trigger added comfort to the smooth trigger pull.

It is very similar to the 4 1/4″ Colt Anaconda reviewed here. While the Anaconda is an excellent revolver in its own right, the Kodiak has a few critical differences that set it apart.

The first thing you will notice is the unfluted cylinder, adding about six ounces to the overall revolver’s weight. Does the additional weight help with perceived recoil? Maybe, but is it enough to notice? It’s hard to say. However, with the factory porting at the muzzle, most who shot the same ammo back to back as the four-and-a-quarter barrel Anaconda say there is about twenty percent less perceived recoil. I am sure the bulk is due to the porting, but perhaps the additional weight played a small part. The cylinder release is serrated for the straight pull back to release the cylinder, traditionally on Colt double-action revolvers. Factory Houge over-molded stocks are standard, but any stocks that fit the Python will fit the new Kodiak.

Outstanding target sights adorn the top of the revolver, with the U-notch rear adjustable for windage and elevation and an interchangeable orange/red insert for the front ramp. The top strap is drilled and tapped for optics or scope mount.

Accuracy for the four-and-a-quarter Kodiak averaged about two-and-a-half-inch groups from twenty-five yards from a rest.

Conclusions 

In the article, I often compared the Kodiak to the Anaconda, and there are more similarities than not. However, the nonfluted cylinder and porting on the Kodiak cause me to favor it just a bit more.   I have always been a sucker for the unfluted cylinder, which I believe is far more aesthetically pleasing, especially on a large revolver. The muzzle porting helped tame the heavy .44 Magnum recoil while.44 Special was soft, shooting with little recoil. The trigger pull is what I have come to expect from the new Colt revolvers: smooth and predictable. The Kodiak would be a superb option as a hunting sidearm or woods carry, especially where dangerous animals may be present. It could be pressed into everyday carry if needed. I am aware the .44 Magnum is big medicine for a carry gun but swap in some .44 Special, and you are ready for social work. After some 300 rounds downrange with zero issues, I firmly believe the Kodiak will take the abuse.

Specifications 

  • Barrel Description: 1:20 LH, 6 Groove
  • Barrel Length: 4 1/4″
  • Capacity: 6 rds.
  • Finish: Semi-Bright
  • Frame Material: Stainless Steel
  • Front Sight: User-swappable orange insert
  • Rear Sight: Target Adjustable
  • Stocks: Rubber Stocks
  • Height: 6″
  • Width: 1 1/2″
  • Overall Length: 9 3/4″
  • Weight: 48 oz.
  • MSRP: $1599

Acknowledgments 

Colt Manufacturing 

Doubletap Ammunition 

Defender Ammunition 

Ammo To Go

 

By Hunter Elliott

I spent much of my youth involved with firearms and felt the call early on to the United States Marine Corps, following in my father's and his brother's footsteps. Just after high school I enlisted and felt most at home on the rifle range, where I qualified expert with several firearms and spent some time as a rifle coach to my fellow Marines. After being honorably discharged I continued teaching firearm safety, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and began teaching metallic cartridge reloading. In the late 1990s I became a life member to the National Rifle Association and worked with the Friends of the NRA. Around that time my father and I became involved with IDPA and competed together up until he passed away. I began reviewing firearms for publications in the mid 2000s and have been fortunate to make many friends in the industry. Continuing to improve my firearms skills and knowledge is a never ending journey in which we should all be committed. I am also credited as weapons master on a few independent films.

2 thoughts on “Colt Kodiak review, a sixgun with sex appeal.”
  1. Hi, nice informative article! You might want to correct your reference to the Kodiac having a fluted cylinder: “However, the fluted cylinder and porting on the Kodiak cause me to favor it just a bit more.”
    Thanks again!
    Gary

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *