I own a 442 and thinking about picking up this 1yr old lnib 642 Powerport. Other than the longer ported barrel and full barrrel underlug,what are the other differences? Is the frame aluminum alloy on the 642 PP like on my 442? I know what a ported barrel will do and the resulting noise and flash,but will it make a good range gun as well as a defense gun. Does it cost more than the regular J frames? Anyway,thinking about picking it up anyway in lieu of another 9mm (not fond of 9mm). As a matter of fact I'm thinking of going all revo and dumping my last piece of 9mm tupperware. Nothing wrong with my XD,but I have a pension for revos and would drop bottom feeders for nice wheelguns anyday.

A ported snubbie .38 Special doesn't, IMO, make a lot of sense as you lose velocity that is already marginal at that point. So its value as a defense gun is questionable, while it should do OK at the range, at least as good as any J frame can, which is really not so good. If you want a concealable defense gun it's hard to beat an unported J frame and the 442 and 642 are primo examples. If you want a range gun get something bigger like a 686.

To me, a ported gun for self defense is a poor choice. If you shoot it anywhere but straight out in front of you, you risk the chance of injury from the blast. If you shoot it in the dark it will temporarily blind you. Any revolver shot in the dark is bad enough! Can't even imagine what would happen shooting it from inside a pocket.....

+1 on what Lee said.

Other than a competition or a hunting gun, I don't favor porting at all. It's dangerous. Definitely does not belong on a self-defense handgun.

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Aaron Terry

No, a 642 is a short-range defense gun.
And the porting makes it illegal for IDPA, and throws you into OPEN Division in USPSA, against optic-sighted race guns, where you will have no chance.
If you want a range/competition revolver, get a K/L 4".

I currently have both. The pro series revolver(ported) is betwween a regular revolver and performance center in S&W speak.. i find the trigger much better on the ported revolver. I carry Buffalo Bore 158 g + lead HP Semi-Wad cutters in it. BB uses flashless powder. For a small handgun the combo will put a decent dent in the BG's helment.

Very interesting thought process in these threads. I have 2 snub nose revolvers which are both ported. There is a flash which I do not disagree with, but the dangerous part does not sit well. I have never been injured from flying debris! I have however been hit with hot lead being forced from the side of the forcing cone on non ported guns. I use them at the range and carry for self defense. It is just a matter of preference. Also the lack of velocity is in the eye of the beholder. Been in a good fire fight lately? Love the loud noise and flashes....Brings back some great memories from years past. I can shoot more accurately with the ported snubs than a non-ported. Give it a try.....you might like it. I believe the concept is in the eye of the beholder. If you don't mind recoil, then noise should not be a factor. Just one persons opinion.

Check out the MagnaPort International Web site. You might find it interesting.