Looking at a model 29-2 4" that has been "dual" magna ported. Would S&W factory have done this or did a previous owner have this work done? Guess I have never seen the dual porting and wondering if it will affect the value? Asking price is $800. Thank you for your input...

Attached Images

29-2 Magnaported.jpg (28.3 KB, 130 views)

'Slit ports' on each side of the top rib indicate a previous owner had the EDM work done - Not S&W's Custom Shop, or the factory. Is it worth it? I don't know? Depends on how much you like to, 'rock 'n roll' after touching off a full-house 44 Magnum - Especially out of a 5" barrel.

Personally, I shoot a lot; and most of my pistols are mag-na-ported. Some people think that mag-na-porting doesn't work. Some people are very wrong. If for no other reason than significantly reduced front sight dwell time, properly mag-na-porting (or, 'Electro Discharge Machining') a pistol barrel definitely works!

How well it works is largely a matter of type and extent; and I've got almost 40 years of experience using ported barrels to prove it!

Appreciate your comments Arc Angel.
I don't know if you can see from my photo but this one is dual ported on each side of the 4" barrel. Would you shoot full house loads thru it?

I'll echo Mr. Angel's thoughts. It works. The degree it works depends on what kinds of loads you shoot. If you're shooting factory full power loads, you're definitely getting a benefit. If you're shooting the paper punching loads I shoot, then the benefit isn't as significant. Higher pressure makes the ports more effective.

Second question regarding value. Yes, it does destroy the true collectability of the gun because you've made permanent modifications, so that segment of buyers will have much less interest and they are the ones paying the highest premium for a bone stock, high condition collectable revolver. That drives value down. Is it worth $800?, that's for you to decide. If you plan to own it as a frequent shooter, then maybe. If you're buying it for collecting or resale anytime soon, then it's the wrong type of gun.

It's a great shooter though! Shoot and enjoy! EDM magnaporting is extremely precise and doesn't ruin the lines of the barrel or add length, so as far as reducing muzzle flip, it's a nice option in that regard.

AA and the inspector have pretty much said it all. All I can add is that my experience supports theirs. If you actually want such a revolver, which IMO is a good thing, I think the price is reasonable. What would it cost you to get a 29 and have the work done?

"What would it cost you to get a 29 and have the work done?"

Honestly, don't think I could bring myself to let someone port my model 29... It has been with me many years and still puts a smile on this old face when I shoot it.

Thinking I am going to take a serious look at this flame thrower. After all, how many 29's is too many?

Thank you for your advise members. I will follow up and let you know how it works out.

Yes, I noticed the four muzzle slits. Others have also advised you well in this thread. All I'm going to add is that THE SPEED AT WHICH YOU FIRE also has a salubrious effect on how high the muzzle lifts as well as how long it takes for you to regain the front sight picture. Me? I prefer to fire both repetitively and as quickly as possible. Consequently, I very much like using muzzle-ported barrels.

During informal club PPC matches (along with the inevitable, 'Does porting work, or doesn't it' arguments that arise) I've had experienced pistoleros ask to change (357/38) pistols with me. Know what? I've never had one of these men return my pistol to me without making some sort of side-to-side head shaking comment like, 'I didn't think it would work; but it did!'

I agree: As an investment $800 dollars is, in my area, a top of the market price for that revolver. However, if you plan on owning and using it for a while then I doubt you'll ever regret making the purchase. (Personally, I'd try to get the price down to around $700.)

I used to reload for all 3 of the Model 29's that I once owned. I always used magnum-length brass cases that were loaded to 44 Special ballistics. (I still used heavy bullets and, 'healthy' powder charges - Not too hot for effective CQB pistol gunfighting, but way too hot to do any competitive PPC work with!)

Nowadays, and even if you reload, regularly using a 44 Magnum/Special can be quite expensive. Which is, 'Why' I've had to cut way back on using my one remaining Model 29 with an 8 3/8" barrel. (My own 29-2 is, probably, my second favorite pistol in all the world - On metallic targets it's been a super accurate long range, 'hitter'; and it also feels extremely well-balanced in the hand.)



ADDED: Yes, I've used full-house NORMA factory ammo in my 29's. No problem! (But overall wear will be accelerated; so, without any real need, I don't use a lot of anybody's factory ammo.)

Was not able to work this one out with the seller but I thank the members for once again providing their input on this thread!

I don't know if that gun was done through the factory, but I do know the factory did offer them,, Direct from the performance shop. That gun was a dream to shoot.. It's now being carried by a LEO in Miami

__________________
SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Wow, nice find! Obviously I stand corrected. Looks like the asking price is right, too.

Its more correct that the factory offered the modification as part of a Perf Shop model but the work was done by MagnaPort and then returned to S&W.
I don't think MagnaPort would allow the use of their name as a product option unless they did the work. Also S&W wouldn't likely set up the fixturing to do this & invest in the equipment for such a small run.
IMO

Ported pistols are very low on my list of desirable guns.

I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a double ported 44.

I don't need a ported 44 mag:I shoot the unported variety just fine.

The more holes you drlll in the barrel, the less I'm interested.

You are correct 300 hundred units were sent to Mag Na Port then " finished "by the performance shop.

__________________
SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

29-2 nickel, not a 629PC...

"Ported pistols are very low on my list of desirable guns.
I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a double ported 44.
I don't need a ported 44 mag:I shoot the unported variety just fine.
The more holes you drlll in the barrel, the less I'm interested."



Dammm man, you ever want to go out and just have some fun?