Question on Ported Barrels

exfebee · Nov 2, 2009

See over on GunBroker.com frequently regarding Ported Barrels and sometimes here as well. When a barrel on any caliber is Ported wouldn't that slow the bullet down some with the gases escaping elsewhere other than the front of the gun? Is there really any advantage to a Ported barrel other than perhaps forcing the gun back down and not as much rise when fired ? Never have really seen any discussion here on the advantages/disadvantages of a ported barrel. In fact i saw a 640 over on GunBroker today with Ported on the top as well as Ported on the sides - probably a 2 inch barrel. Guy wanted right at $1,400.00 for it. It had some other stuff done to it, but really Porting a 2 inch barrel.

Whats the experts opinions here about Porting ?
Carl

OKFC05 · Nov 2, 2009

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.

BugEater · Nov 2, 2009

muzzle flash

First off, let me say that I am no expert. To me, the muzzle flash from the port would be a downside. If you can't handle the recoil as is, change your load IMHO.

Gun 4 Fun · Nov 2, 2009

OKFC05 said:
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.

I agree with this,

As far as velocity loss goes- the ports are so close to the end of the muzzle that there simply isn't time for any drop in pressure to possibly affect the velocity. That can be proven with two identicle guns, one ported, one not, and the use of a chronograph.

exfebee · Nov 2, 2009

Yes, i know about muzzle flash. My 686 snubby especially with 357 cal ammo is a flame thrower at night. There were some really good pictures of night time muzzle flashes recently here on the forum that illustrated this. Was wondering if a projectile traveling 800-1000fps would be effected by Porting. Over on GunBroker the guy had a bunch of Ports cut on his 640 for sale. So many seems like the slug might just "drop out". Interesting topic though. Thanks guys for your thoughts.
Carl

buckspen · Nov 3, 2009

Muzzle Brakes/Porting

I have had several guns with various types of muzzle brakes/porting and usually feel that it is a waste of money. I once bought a S&W Model 19 that a previous owner had Mag-na-ported and he claimed that shooting it with magnum loads was like shooting .38 specials. Well, that turned out to be total BS.
I've had several shotguns with ported barrels and all that seems to accomplish is compaints from other shooters and more difficult cleaning (cleaning patch material gets hung up in the ports).
I personally had two S&W Model 29's, a 1911 style .45 ACP pistol and a Browning Hi-Power Mag-na-ported and could tell no difference from before and after porting. I also owned a Model 629 with the factory Quad-Port and did not find it to be effective.
On the other hand, I have a M-629 from the Performance Center with 7 inch barrel and a removable compensator on the barrel. This one works. I have a stock 629 with full lug 6 inch barrel, and when I compare the two with the same loads, the comped 629 has considerably less muzzle rise. I use this gun for bowling pin matches and do quite well with it.
I also have an IPSC type "Open" gun in .38 Super with a Schumann "jet" barrel and compensator. With really hot "major" IPSC loads, the muzzle of this gun actually is depressed when fired. There is so much high velocity gas produced with this load that the compensation sysytem works very well.
But, let me tell you, it is really loud!!!!! Range officers hate me when I shoot this gun (and the comped 629, too). When shooting these guns, I have to wear double hearing protection (ear plugs and muffs).
In summary, I think that if your load is producing enough high velocity gas, these systems can work. But the down side is excessive noise and a lot of muzzle blast.

- - Buckspen

DonD · Nov 3, 2009

buckspen said:
I have had several guns with various types of muzzle brakes/porting and usually feel that it is a waste of money. I once bought a S&W Model 19 that a previous owner had Mag-na-ported and he claimed that shooting it with magnum loads was like shooting .38 specials. Well, that turned out to be total BS.
I've had several shotguns with ported barrels and all that seems to accomplish is compaints from other shooters and more difficult cleaning (cleaning patch material gets hung up in the ports).
I personally had two S&W Model 29's, a 1911 style .45 ACP pistol and a Browning Hi-Power Mag-na-ported and could tell no difference from before and after porting. I also owned a Model 629 with the factory Quad-Port and did not find it to be effective.
On the other hand, I have a M-629 from the Performance Center with 7 inch barrel and a removable compensator on the barrel. This one works. I have a stock 629 with full lug 6 inch barrel, and when I compare the two with the same loads, the comped 629 has considerably less muzzle rise. I use this gun for bowling pin matches and do quite well with it.
I also have an IPSC type "Open" gun in .38 Super with a Schumann "jet" barrel and compensator. With really hot "major" IPSC loads, the muzzle of this gun actually is depressed when fired. There is so much high velocity gas produced with this load that the compensation sysytem works very well.
But, let me tell you, it is really loud!!!!! Range officers hate me when I shoot this gun (and the comped 629, too). When shooting these guns, I have to wear double hearing protection (ear plugs and muffs).
In summary, I think that if your load is producing enough high velocity gas, these systems can work. But the down side is excessive noise and a lot of muzzle blast.

- - Buckspen

I agree with what Buckspen says. What benefit porting accomplishes is proportional to the velocity and I think with most defensive calibers, not worth it. I think the race guns have much larger ports and in their game, quick recovery from shots is an absolute must.

While it is a different issue, many years ago I had a Ruger No. 1 in .458 Win Mag Magnaported. I was very disappointed that it seemed to make little difference in perceived recoil.

I have a Performance Center .500 Mag with the barrel shaped comp on the end. Since it is not removeable, I cannot comment on its effectiveness in reducing perceived recoil. But as Buckspen says, it is very loud and has a lot of concussion. I normally use double ear protection with most guns so the noise doesn't bother me. Don

sonny · Nov 3, 2009

The excess noise from your ports will just upset anyone near you while you're shooting. And excess flash at night, above and beside the gun, will make it difficult to see the perp after the first shot.
Sonny

Big Lou · Nov 3, 2009

sonny said:
The excess noise from your ports will just upset anyone near you while you're shooting. And excess flash at night, above and beside the gun, will make it difficult to see the perp after the first shot.
Sonny

+100

"Back in the day" I had my 29-2 ported. Of course hind sight being 20 20, I wish I hadn't. It looks kinda neat but like post above, your sight picture is gone after the first shot during darkness.

Spent the extra money on something else for the gun IMHO.

Allen-frame · Nov 3, 2009

Model 66-4 factory magnaport

I have been fortunate enough to acquire a model 66-4 3" with the beadblast finish, and factory magnaporting.

I shoot primarily 38 lead handloads out of it, and the porting makes a mess of the front sight rib.
I have taken to loading plated bullets exclusively for it as a result of the cleaning hassles.

Felt recoil, and muzzle rise are regulated more by bullet weight, then load, then barrel length, before any porting.

I would not send any gun, short of a full house 44 magnum for porting ,and then only if I planned on shooting a steady diet of maximum loads through it.

My 66-4, magnaported.

Regards ,,Allen Frame

Dennis The B · Nov 3, 2009

I own...

...three .44 Magnums, and all are Magnaported. I own a Model 29 DX Classic (5" barrel), a Model 29-2 (4" barrel), and a Ruger Super Blackhawk (7.5" barrel). All three were purchased already Magnaported.

I used to own a T/C Contender Super 14, in .44 Magnum. Even with Pachmayr grips, it was unpleasant to shoot. I had it Magnaported, but I believe it only made it a little less unpleasant to shoot.

There is reduction of felt recoil with the Magnaporting, albeit more muzzle flash. Flash is relative though, especially in a 4" barrel.

The blued Model 29 DX is more difficult to clean, especially with lead bullets. Lead collects around the ports.

I agree with those who say the stouter loads are probably more affected by the porting than lighter ones.

Face it, though. A .44 Magnum is not my first choice to shoot from the bench all day long. I'll take my Model 25-2, and my new Model 625 JM for that.

Big Cholla · Nov 3, 2009

exfebee: I shot ported .38 supers in IPSC and know that it made a difference in time between controlled shots. I became a Gunsmith and ported many kinds of handguns and shotguns for customers. I found that the various designs of porting could either reduce muzzle flip or reduce recoil, but not both at the same time. The Sporting Clays crowd seem to really like side porting with multiple small round holes.

Porting to reduce muzzle flip seems to help in competition and in practical controlability for the physical weaker shooter. My wife is small and not that strong. She decided to become a CCW licensed carrier. She selected a Ruger SP 101 shooting .38 special +Ps. The muzzle flip was uncomfortable for her so I ported it with two 'venturi' ports right at the front sight. It was great in reducing 'flip' during the daytime, but muzzle flash going straight up blinded her and me at night. We switched her to a S&W Mod. 60 and she just shoots slower. The SP 101 was relegated to a house gun where there is always light. Someday I will find a stock replacement barrel and then I will rebarrel it. ... Big Cholla

SAA · Nov 8, 2009

A lot more excessive noise and the muzzle flash will blind you at night. Some guys like it ported. I'll pass.

SJ · Nov 8, 2009

Big Cholla is right. As a former IPSC shooter I found that a comp/port allowed for faster follow up shots as the muzzle did not rise as much due to the gas being directed out of the top of comp forced the barrel down. Recoil however, was not really reduced and with my loads actually increased as I found out that a comp worked better with faster/hotter loads.

Question on Ported Barrels

exfebee

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OKFC05

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BugEater

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Gun 4 Fun

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exfebee

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buckspen

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DonD

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sonny

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Big Lou

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Allen-frame

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Dennis The B

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Big Cholla

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SAA

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SJ

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