Compensators on IPSC open guns use high-pressure cartridges and thereby reduce muzze rise. Velocity loss is minimal. Blast into the official's face from a kneeling competitor is considerable.

Porting on low-pressure cartridges like .38 special are of questionable benefit. On a short-barreled defense gun, there is the question of just how much blast and flash you are willing to tolerate, particularly in low light. Shooting from close retention with a stubby can get exciting.