Pretty cool vids...

Gemini Customs LLC - 1911 Services

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Thanks for posting the link.
Nice videos, I would never have expected a 329 or a 340 to be that nice. I may have to consider getting another 329.
I'm still not too sure about that kind of porting on a carry gun.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

I like the reduced recoil.............BUT, I just would not be willing to put up with the increased muzzel-blast.

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Laus Deo! <><

Sorry, I don't believe the porting is that effective.

I'm the guy who removes the ports on the 500...

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NRA Benefactor Member

i think that the guy in the vid exaggerates a little sometimes. there's one shot he makes where he whips the barrel of the unported 29 up a few extra inches. i recently purchased my first ported gun and am anxious to see how much of a difference it will make. it may be a while before i get to see the difference since it is a smith model 632 327 mag and i don't know anybody else who owns a 327 mag. i guess only time will tell. anybody own a 632 ported and ruger sp101 in 327? notice a great difference?

The 296 hurts his hand? please.

Plus the night shooting shows less flash with the ported gun than the non ported gun.
Carefully choosing ammo can do that.

I think I've seen enough tricks in this link.

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NRA Benefactor Member

Not Much.

When you port any handgun, the effect in muzzle rise is in direct proportion to muzzle velocity. A 44 spl out of a short barrel is like 600-700 fps. Porting this gun will have nearly no effect in reducing muzzle climb.

If you have a 460 and if you can drive a bullet up to 3000 fps, now you will notice some reduction in muzzle rise. But having that much hot gasses blowing back at you is not pleasant.

John Ross found this out with his 500s as he special ordered a batch with a 5 inch barrel with no porting.
I also experimented with the 500 by removing the porting on mine. Maybe the porting is 5-10% effective at best.


I like them better this way...

Porting a rifle has better results because the barrel stays flatter for a second follow-up shot or for machine gun applications. Handguns just don't develop that kind of muzzle velocity to be effective enough to warrant the barrel to be modified in my opinion.

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NRA Benefactor Member

Being a confirmed cynic, I would like an independent outfitter of some kind to repeat these videos under controlled setting. Maybe Mythbusters. I would love to see for myself that the same ammo was used in each case, and a sound meter set up nearby. Get Buster set up to measure muzzle rise, etc. I can see muzzle porting in some situations, like the 329 for outdoors, but over-all, porting is just too loud for my almost completely deaf ears. All that said, the videos are impressive if it is showing us the truth.

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beaver

I could not put up with the increased muzzle blast from a ported revolver. Personally I doubt the recoil reduction would be very significant.

I have a Glock 19C. During a course of instruction, I shot it from inside a vehicle.
Even with muffs on and eye protection on, it wasn't fun in an enclosed space.
Even shooting it from under a cover at the range isn't pleasant because of muzzle blast.
That ported barrel is no longer on that Glock. I replaced it with a regular barrel off of another Glock 19.
Porting a handgun is a waste of money IMO.

those are the same thoughts that i was having. i too would like to see a controlled situation. make certain he is using the same ammo. sure he is pulling the trigger faster on the ported shots, but that doesnt mean that he is putting more accurate shots down range. i want to see a time vs. accuracy test.

I don't doubt that the extensive porting that those pistols have would work. But, as always, what is trade-off? I would like to see a Gun Tests comparison of those pistols. At different times GT has tested ported vs non-ported and remarked that there is a significant improvement in shot to shot control but there can also be some significant drawbacks such as the previously mentioned flame and noise in an enclosed space.

Here is what the GT testers said regarding a ported Springfield XD40, "Compared to the 40 S&W XD, recoil was greatly reduced. Our new model with the ported barrel was able to smooth out the recoil of any cartridge, even those topped with 180-grain bullets. The reduced movement of the front sight enabled us to visually track the sight as it returned to the rear notch ready for the next shot. We did not fire this gun at night, but with the gases exiting in a V-shape, concentration on the front sight should be possible despite the obvious flash, which is inevitable with or without porting.

The reduction of recoil also helped us at the bench by allowing us to maintain a consistent hold throughout ignition. In fact, two of our three test rounds (Speer 40 S&W 165-gr. GDHP and MagSafe 84-gr. Defender #40D, not shown in table) shot average group sizes of 2.1 inches and 1.8 inches, respectively.". Gun Tests Magazine Jun 2009

They have also tested SW revolvers in 38/357 and again reported a positive result from porting with the +P 38 SPL and 357 (magna-porting in this case) but not with the lower pressure 38 SPL ammunition.

BTW, Mr Morganti's great trigger and action work may also account for some of that smo-o-o-th follow-up shooting. His work has the reputation of being top shelf.

The bigger/heavier the gun, the less benefit you get from porting. If you go too far on the other end, the little light-weight J's for instance, then the benefit is far outweighed by the brutal recoil of them when shooting 357's. However, when you get into the middle ground, weight-wise, and you're shooting "stout" loads, there is some benefit.

I've shot a lot of guns with porting, and owned a few. The only one to date that I've shot, or owned, that really benefited from it is my 66 when shooting heavy 357's (which I don't do anymore). My wife has a 3" Taurus 85 with porting. It's no benefit at all. The gun is an older one that's not rated for +P and the Std 38's just don't generate enough velocity to benefit from the porting, even in the short barrel.

And, depending upon your tolerance to recoil, your hand, wrist, and arm strength, the benefit is going to be very, very subjective.

Hey, it's simply another tool to help those that need it, want it, or like it, to shoot better. For others, well, find another tool. Try it and see. Try it in various calibers, weights, and barrel lengths and then you'll know if it's for you or not.

Take Care, God Bless, And WATCH Your Back!

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SgtSam

I had a Taurus 608 in six inch which is an N frame size gun in 8 shot .357. I didn't feel the porting was necessary on that size gun and caliber and it did have more muzzle blast than a similar Model 27 or 28.
I still have a Taurus 415 which is an L frame size .41 with 2 1/2 inch barrel that is ported. It too is loud and not bad to shoot recoil wise but I'm not sure if the porting helps or not as it weighs about what a 686 does and has those ribber grips. I only have longer barrel S&W and Blackhawks nonported in .41 to compare it too. I'd have to say it falls between my 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch and 3 inch 629 recoil wise.

A cleaning tip for ported guns. A pipe cleaner with a little solvent makes for an easier job on the Taurus small holes they use for ports.

Except for a longish barrel target gun, I see little advantage in porting. Some of my PC guns are ported and I flinch at the thought of fiting one of them up close and personal from hip position, lots of hot gas coming up-plus lots more noise.

Here are my experiences with porting...

Shooting identical rifles side by side in 300 Win Mag and 375 H&H I find that Magna Port does take the hard "jab" out of the recoil and holds the barrel down quite a bit. I do not find Magna Port to be any louder in the field than an unported barrel.

Once Upon a time I shot 3 S&W Mod 29,s side by side. A 4" with rubber grips, a 4" with Magna Port and a 6 1/2" with rubber grips.

The 6 1/2" was most plesant to shoot, followed by the 4" with rubber grips.

Rubber grips seemed to do more than the MP did.

In 1911's, in 45 ACP, Wilson compensators are VERY EFFECTIVE.

I would like to shoot a S&W with a built in Comp...

The most effective rifle muzzle break I have ever shot is the KDF. It makes a lightweight 300 Weatherby Mag kick less than a 308 rifle.

However all muzzle breaks I have shot are LOUDER than an unbreaked gun.

Nope. Think energy, not velocity. M*V^2 / 2

Energy balance and a free body diagram will answer the question. The mass and velocity of a bullet from a 44 mag (say 250 gr at 1300fps) is much greater than the 24 grains of H110 exiting at whatever the gas velocity at the muzzle is, which I think is between 3000-4000fps. At least it's much less than say a 300 win mag with a bullet/powder ratio around 2 or 3 instead of a 500 mag that can be 10-20

What is holding down the muzzle of a ported barrel?

If memory serves, it's the gasses blowing upwards which hold down the barrel.

My 500 mag runs 1,712 fps with the muzzle energy of 2,278 LBS. Remember I shoot without a break, because it doesn't work to my satisfaction.

How does energy even hold down a barrel?

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Newton's Third Law of Motion: "The mutual forces of action and reaction between two bodies are equal, opposite and collinear. This means that whenever a first body exerts a force F on a second body, the second body exerts a force −F on the first body. F and −F are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This law is sometimes referred to as the action-reaction law, with F called the "action" and −F the 'reaction'."

The gases propelled upward push back down to limit the rise of the barrel.

I have shot many magnaported guns and find the increase in muzzle blast far detracts from any positive changes. But, after watching the vids, I might go ahead and send in J. Edgar's registered magnum as soon as I locate it.......

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Have Canon, Will Travel

I have two revolvers which have ported barrels. My 629 has the factory power ported 6.5 inch barrel and to tell you the truth, I do not believe it does much, other than make the report sound much louder. I had my 640 Magnaported and I can honestly say it does help me while shooting full .357 loads with a set of boot grips. I can now fire rapid shots more accurately while shooting a timed qualification course of fire, as it does decrease muzzle rise, allowing a proper follow through shot to shot. But the porting does not do as much when firing lower pressure .38's through it. So to me, it would depend on the gun, the loads used and what the gun is used for, before I would consider having it done or not.

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Fir Na Dli

I have Classic or Classic DX 29-5 & 6 and 629-3 & 4 revolvers that are 6.5" as well as a 629-4 Power Port. I'll say that the PP revolver is the most pleasant of the bunch to shoot.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

I'm not very fond of the ported guns....handguns or rifles. My feeling is that if I need a port then I'm shooting too much caliber or too light of a gun.

Fully 50% of mine are ported by Mag-Na-Port.

I find it useful and no imposition by way of leading, noise or flash.

Downside, reduction of value for resale, but... I don't plan on selling anything. Already got a line of succession planned.

The vid is a bright sunny day. The vertical flash from the ported gun is still enormous. I prefer all the "action" going in the same direction, downrange. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

After watching the video, I think that it is great theatre. It looks to me as if the shooter could have pulled the trigger just as fast on the unported revolvers.

I have only one magnaported revolver, a 2 1/2" Python. I had lead blowing out of the ports when I used cast bullets. It took a while to clean up. I have since used only jacketed bullets. Other than that I don't remember anything noteworty about Magnaporting...

6Pack: I've got to agree with you for the most part. If the gun is more than a person should be shooting, depending upon the degree, all of the little add-ons and tack-ons, etc, are not going make you a better shooter.

I have two gun with ports. An M66 and Taurus 85.

The 85 has the factory ports. It's a 3-inch with 6 holes at the end of the barrel, 3 on each side. It's been a reliable gun. I had my gunsmith go over it, through it, and fix it. So, it works real nice. It's my wife's gun, she likes it, she picked it out, hence the extra care through the gunsmith, 'nough said!

The M66 was magnaported for my wife. The gun was originally bought for her. She found a miriade of reasons she didn't like it, even after the porting, hence the M85. She's a little hard to please and is real picky about some things, guns especially.

I can tell the difference with the magnaporting, but only with top end .357 loads. However, if I had it to do all over again, I would not have had it done. I'd have gotten her another gun prior to the porting.

Oh well, it's done. It was done over 20 years ago. So, you can't go back.

Take Care, God Bless, And WATCH Your Back!

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SgtSam

I have a 629 in 6.5 with the factory power port. It is LOUD. Range officers frequently mistake it for a 500 S&W due to the loud report. I've been tapped on the shoulder and told, Sir no 50's allowed. I'd rather have a 6" nickel or blue 29.

Bought a Glock 24C (Compensated/ported). Seemed to have no noticable effect in reducing barrel rise. The gases did obliterate the paint/highlighting on the front sight!!, after about 6 shots. Ditched the compensated barrel in favor of a solid barrel, hat to touch up the front sight. Don't waste your money on a ported pistol/revolver.
Ernie

There were some discussions in this thread using calculations to make their point.

Subjectively, in the real world I don't think there is any question that porting is much more effective on high velocity rifles than it is on much lower velocity revolvers.

I have a .458 Win Mag that is Magna Ported. The reduction in perceived recoil is trivial and I regret defacing the handsome Ruger No. 1.

I'd be interested in a scientific (Mythbusters is more entertainment than science) evaluation of brakes. One of my Model 500s has the integral brake, the other the barrel shaped device on the PC models. Bottom line on .500 Mags, NOTHING is going to stop muzzle climb/recoil when dealing with heavy loads running 2500 ft lbs. You simply have to ride it out. Don

Mr. Magnum,
How do you like that 327 Magnum? How much trouble is it to find ammo for it? A friend of mine just bought one and I hope to get a chance to shoot it soon. looks like a nice little carry gun if it hits hard enough. Thanks W. V. Martin

I have a S&W 2 1/2" "Backpacker" .44 mag that came with factory ports. When shooting outdoors I don't notice any extra flash, blowback or noise. But, I am focusing all of my concentration on the front site and target.
I also qualified with a Ruger 5 1/2" .44 mag. for off duty and back-up that was not ported. Qualification was done at an indoor range. Again, the flash for the daytime qualification was not noticable due to the reasons listed above. However, the noise was definately more noticeable due to the enclosed area. For the night-time qualification we started out shooting in, simulated, pitch black and with each string of shots more L.E. strobe and flashers were added to the mix. My point is that regardless of the gun, if it is a major caliber, you will lose a good portion of your natural night vision after the first shot, ports or no ports. To qualify, I shot 100 rounds, 50 day/50 night, through the Ruger. I have only shot my S&W Backpacker about 35 rounds so far and I sold the Ruger, so I cannot do a side by side comparison. But, I would still say the Backpacker has less recoil due to the shorter barrel, slightly less velocity, and the factory ports. Personally, I find the gun very pleasant to shoot. I am going to go shoot in a few minutes and will chronograph a few 240 gr. to find out the velocity. I will report back.

I know this is a little off subject, but I thught I would post the chronograph results from my shooting session yesterday. I used my 2 1/2" Backpacker for the tests. The Magtech 240 gr. semi-jacketed soft point averaged 1055 fps. at 6 feet from the muzzle. It was very pleasant to shoot. If my math is correct, this round delivers 593 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy at 6 feet from the muzzle. The other round was the Winchester 240 gr. semi-jacketed soft point. It averaged 1175 fps. at 6 feet from the muzzle. and delivered 735 ft. lbs. of kinetic enery at the same range.
I was outdoors so I could not tell any real difference in the muzzle flash.