Hello,

I am considering modifying the sights on
my double rifle, a Trail Guns Armory
Kodiak MK IV in .45/70 (made by Pedersoli).

I've had it since 1990 but back then
my glasses had single vision lenses.
After going through the bifocal stage,
I now require either trifocals or
progressive lenses. The upper part of
the lens, where I see my sights is for
distance vision so my sights have become
blurrier over the years.

Has anyone ever managed to install a
larger bead front sight or successfully
replaced or modified the reat sight(s)?

Mine has two indivdual rear sights, each
adjustable for windage and elevation.
The rib has two dovetails, one for each
sight. I have seen photos of some that
have the folding leaves on a base so there
must be some variations in production
through the years.

I was considering trying to fabricate
replacement inserts for the existing rear
sights. I thought a shallow V for one and
perhaps a hole for a sort of aperture sight
for the second sight. The aperture would be
a long way from my shooting eye but there
is nowhere else to mount it.

I looked at one thread where someone made
a whole rear sight. I no longer have access
to tools required to do that much in the way
of fabrication.

Anyone with ideas or experiences to share?

TIA,

Bwana Dave

I removed the insert from one of the rear sights and recut the tiny U shaped notch into a shallow V with a file. The vertical part of the sight body gets in the way a bit, but it is better than it was. The insert is thin metal and easy to reshape.

The new V shape works better than the original U shape. Other than drilling and tapping the top rib for a peep sight, this will be about as far as I can go. It didn't cost me anything and is easier to align the sights now.

Hi Dave,
Any change in Kodiak back sight will improve your shooting.
A express sight (wide V) is the way to go.
Martin

either drill out the froont sight or replace it and get some of the hi-vis plastic stuff. you can get a very small diameter piece if you drill out the front sight or just replace it. also you can drill a notch in the bottom of the v on the rear and epoxy a piece there. then put a different color in that. shooting you just put one color on top of the other.

Here are some pics of what I did.

Dave, looks like a great modification to me.

My Brother had one of those doubles in 45/70.

It shot great with several different loads.

Are the two sights for use with individual barrels?

No they are designed the same as multiple leaves on "proper" double rifles.

The idea is to sight one leaf on, at one distance and the other on, at a second farther distance...

The regulation on my brothers Kodiak was as good if not better than any double rifle I have shot.

bwana dave: ihave the same rifle i replaced the rear sights with a rem. 700 rear sight with replaceable inserts. i fit a dovetail insert in the front dovetail slot and drilled and tapped a 6-40 hole in the center then filed the bottom of sight to fit over the riband attached the sight to the dovetail insert it looks factory installed and doesnt alter the gun in any way. it shoots under 2" at 75 meters.

usps,

Your ideas are interesting. I'll think them over. They might be a better way to go than what I have.