Colt Kodiak .44 Magnum: A Testament to Big-Bore Revolvers

In 2020, Colt made headlines by reintroducing its legendary Python revolver. This wasn’t just a nostalgic nod to its storied past but rather a complete reengineering of a classic. However, Colt didn’t stop there. In 2021, the company brought back another big-bore legend, the Anaconda. Fast forward to 2024, and Colt has taken another bold leap by reviving the Kodiak .44 Magnum, designed with deep woods protection in mind.

The Colt Kodiak Big-Bore .44 Magnum

What many people don’t know is that the Kodiak is not a brand-new concept. In fact, Colt first made a small batch of Kodiak revolvers in 1993—a run of just 2,000 units.

Those original Kodiaks had some of the same features as the 2024 model. This includes a 4.25-inch barrel, ports for gas release, an unfluted cylinder, and an iconic bear paw engraving stamped on the barrel. It was a striking revolver, and the new 2024 version doesn’t disappoint.

The new Colt Kodiak is as attractive on the outside as it is on the inside. Like the 2020 Python and 2021 Anaconda, the Kodiak boasts polished and forged internals. It’s built on the Anaconda frame, which means it can easily accommodate a variety of aftermarket parts, holsters, and grips.

In fact, the Kodiak shares the same grip frame as the Python. So, it is easy to find grips that suit your style and needs. Even vintage Colt I-Frame grips will fit these new guns, making customization a breeze.

The Kodiak in Hand

One notable feature is the Hogue monogrip with finger grooves that comes standard on the Kodiak. Some may lament the absence of a wood presentation grip. However, the Hogue grip is undeniably functional, providing excellent control for what is, after all, a hard-hitting .44 Magnum. Those wanting a more classic look can easily find wood grips, given the standardized grip frame.

Those wanting a more classic look can easily find wood grips, given the standardized grip frame.

Priced at around $1,599 street price, the Kodiak offers tremendous value for what you get—robust construction, premium features, and Colt performance.

When my Kodiak arrived, I couldn’t wait to get it on the bench. As someone who has tested nearly every new revolver Colt has produced in recent years, I expected great things. I wasn’t disappointed.

Straight out of the box, the fit and finish were excellent, and the trigger pulls were very smooth. The double-action trigger had a rounded, consistent break, while the single-action break was crisp.

On the bench, I conducted a trigger-pull test with the following results:

Double-action average: 7 lbs, 5.4 oz (6 pulls)
Single-action average: 5 lbs

Single-action trigger pull averaged 5 pounds.

While the single-action trigger might sound a bit heavy, it may lighten slightly over time. Upon inspecting the internals, I found no issues with the trigger interfaces. Everything was polished and fit precisely, as you’d expect from Colt.

Getting on Target

The sight system is also easy to work with. The Kodiak comes with a red ramp front sight, identical to the Python’s sights. So, aftermarket replacements or upgrades are simple to install. The sights provide good visibility, but if you want to swap them out, you have options.

With a loaded weight of 3 lbs, 6 oz (using Federal Power Shock 240-grain ammunition), the Kodiak is not lightweight. But for a big-bore revolver, it shoots very nicely.

With a loaded weight of 3 lbs, 6 oz (using Federal Power Shock 240-grain ammunition), the Colt Kodiak is not lightweight.

The gun’s six round ports are neatly positioned on the top of the barrel. These help manage recoil by directing gas upward, keeping the muzzle down. Each port is .140 thousandths in diameter, and they start exactly .429 thousandths from the muzzle. This is a clever nod to the .44 Magnum’s bullet diameter.

Many shooters wonder whether the shorter barrel of the Kodiak reduces the .44 Magnum’s effectiveness. To find out, I took the revolver out to the range with a variety of ammunition and tested the velocities using a Garmin Xero Chronograph.

The author tested the revolver with various ammunition.

Here are the results (six-round averages):

Winchester Big Bore 240-grain SJHP: 1,293 FPS
Federal Power Shock 240-grain JHP: 1,375 FPS
Remington HTP 240-grain JSP: 1,332 FPS
PMC Bronze .44 Special 180-grain JHP: 871 FPS

The velocities were impressive and reaffirmed the Kodiak’s role as a potent tool for deep woods protection.

A Revolver Built to Be Customized

Like most revolvers in this category, the Kodiak is built to be customized. For my own setup, I mounted an Atibal XRD+ red dot sight with a 3 MOA reticle using the factory Colt rail.

The Atibal optic performed flawlessly, holding zero over the course of 200 rounds of .44 Magnum without any issues. I also swapped out the grips for a set of Badger Custom Grips, which significantly improved comfort and control.

The author mounted an Atibal XRD+ red dot sight with a 3 MOA reticle using the factory rail.

While some shooters believe wood grips exacerbate recoil, I found the laminate grips from Badger tamed the gun nicely. They also fit my hands perfectly. Everyone’s experience is different, but when you find the right grips, it makes all the difference.

I also used a Model 29 HKS speedloader, which worked seamlessly with the Kodiak.

An Unfluted Cylinder

The unfluted cylinder on the Kodiak is more than just an aesthetic choice. It serves a practical purpose in environments where dirt, snow, and debris could cause problems. By eliminating flutes, Colt designed the Kodiak to be more resilient in adverse conditions. It prevents debris from getting trapped between the frame and the cylinder—a critical feature for a gun meant to protect against dangerous wildlife.

However, the unfluted cylinder comes with a few trade-offs. Its added weight increases the revolver’s overall heft, which might help reduce recoil but could also slow down follow-up shots. The weight of the rotating cylinder can make rapid-fire feel a bit more cumbersome. For most users, this won’t be a significant issue, but competitive shooters may notice the difference.

The unfluted cylinder on the Colt Kodiak is more than just an aesthetic choice.

Additionally, the cylinder’s design requires a complete removal from the yoke for deep cleaning. This might be seen as a minor inconvenience. However, for those who appreciate the look and rugged functionality of the unfluted design, it’s a small price to pay.

The Colt Kodiak is a Welcome Addition to Big-Bore Revolvers

The reintroduction of the Colt Kodiak is a welcome addition to the world of big-bore revolvers. It offers a robust, reliable platform for those who need a dependable sidearm in the great outdoors. Whether you’re hunting, hiking, or just enjoying a day at the range, the Kodiak delivers both power and precision in a beautifully crafted package.

If Colt continues to release updated versions of their classic revolvers, I hope they expand their offerings to include lightweight models and even revolvers in rimless cartridges like 9mm or .45 ACP. Until then, the Colt Kodiak stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of big-bore revolvers.

So, here’s to Colt for bringing back a legend. And here’s to those of us who get to take it out into the woods and make memories with it.

Shoot Safe.

For more information, please visit Colt.com.