Will Colt Kodiak/Anaconda Rail Work as Rear Sight?..(Can You Make it Work?)

Published on April 24, 2026
Duration: 8:07

This guide details how to replace a standard front sight with a taller one to achieve proper alignment with a Colt Anaconda/Kodiak rail, enabling functional iron sights for co-witnessing with a red dot optic or for use without an optic. The process involves precise measurement and installation of a Harrison Designs front sight to match the height of the modified rail.

Quick Summary

A Colt Anaconda rail can be modified to function as a rear sight on revolvers like the Kodiak or Grizzly. However, its higher profile may cause the firearm to shoot high. To correct this, a taller front sight, such as a 0.23-inch Harrison Designs model, is needed to achieve proper sight alignment for accurate shooting and red dot co-witnessing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rail as Rear Sight?
  2. 00:20Rail Modification for Kodiak
  3. 01:10Testing the Rail as a Rear Sight
  4. 01:53Sight Picture Issues & Aiming High
  5. 02:22Measuring Sight Heights
  6. 03:07Calculating Required Front Sight Height
  7. 04:06Finding the Correct Front Sight
  8. 04:28Front Sight Installation
  9. 05:30Verifying New Sight Alignment
  10. 06:12Impact of Sight Height Change
  11. 06:57Conclusion: Range Ready Iron Sights

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Colt Anaconda rail be used as a rear sight on other Colt revolvers like the Kodiak or Grizzly?

Yes, a Colt Anaconda rail can be modified to fit other Colt revolvers such as the Kodiak or Grizzly. The rail needs to be cut back and refinished to properly seat on shorter barrels, allowing it to function as a rear sight.

What is the main challenge when using a modified Colt Anaconda rail as a rear sight?

The primary challenge is that the modified rail is often slightly higher than the original rear sight. This height difference can cause the firearm to shoot high, requiring a taller front sight to achieve proper sight alignment.

How do you determine the correct height for a replacement front sight when using a modified rail as a rear sight?

You need to measure the height of the modified rail and the existing front sight from a common reference point on the barrel. The difference in height will dictate how much taller your new front sight needs to be to achieve a level sight picture.

What is the benefit of using iron sights with a rail-mounted red dot optic?

Using iron sights in conjunction with a rail-mounted red dot optic allows for 'co-witnessing.' This means you can still use your iron sights as a backup aiming system if the red dot fails or is turned off, ensuring you always have a viable sight picture.

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