Magnaporting--Is it worth it?

[Sailormilan2]

I have a 6" 629 that I am considering having Magnaported. Before I send it off and spend the money, has anyone here had it done and felt it was worth it?
I plan on scoping the 44, and wonder how much the recoil will be reduced with both the Magnaporting and the added weight of the scope and mounts. Or, if I should just add the scope and mount and not worry about the Magnaporting.

[TOM BECKWITH]

Did my Ruger 45 LC and 41 Mag - both 4 5/8" 3 screws - definitely lowered collector value. but helped manage recoil with heavy loads. Have a brake on one 1911 and several rifles and shotguns - loud but easier on the sholder.

[Gunhacker]

What flavor 629, the older 1/2 length ejector shroud barrel or the newer full length barrel (ala L-Frame)?

I had a M29-2 (1/2 length shroud) done, I liked the benefits... the down side is the venting gas and powder residue fouls the heck out of the sides of front sight base and blade... with the dirtier powder it all but eliminated my red ramp.

Also on a SS gun you will get the same blackening around the ports and the sides of front sight base as the front of the cylinder gets.

On a 629 with the full barrel length shroud, I'd be on the fence... and you might want to scope and shoot it first.

I also have a 629-4 with the 6" full lugged barrel and in comparison with the M29-2... well, I haven't bothered to do anything with it.

But then, I've been shooting these beasts for over 30 years, so maybe I've just grown accustomed to them.

As for devaluation, I agree from a collector's viewpoint, but for those of us that spend more time using them, than looking at them (don't get me wrong, I too have my safe queens that I ooh and aah over too), I think it adds value for anyone that is "in the know" about the realized reduction in muzzle rise/flip.

[kennyb]

i have a 3" 41 mag.thats been ported...love it!

[jinx]

I had a model 19 Mag-na-ported many years ago, so long ago that the cost was $19.00. Larry Kelly was just starting out at that time. For me, it helps a lot with the recoil.
Yes, it does affect the value of your gun. Also, there are folks that do not want the flash that could blind you at night in a self defense situation. I can certainly understand this. In my case, the gun is used for hunting and target shooting, so is no concern for me. I agree with Gunhacker, you may want to try scoping the gun and shooting it before deciding.

[Cal44]

Has anyone done scientific tests to quantify how much magnaporting reduces recoil? Mostly we have subjective statements that it helped -- but how much?

I have only one ported gun -- a 2 1/2 " 629 backpacker -- and it has reasonable recoil on 44 mag loads, but it came ported so I can't say how much it helps.

[jinx]

I can't give any numbers as I have never seen any myself. When I shoot .357 in my gun the felt recoil is that of a .38. I have compared this with several other guns that were identical but not ported. It seemed to be consistent.
I can only tell you of my experience with .357 as I have never shot any other caliber that was ported. I remember Mr. Kelly saying at the time, the bigger and more powerful the gun, the more you would notice the difference.

[Boge]

Mag Na Port

[Nframecollector]

Your gun..................do what you want. I don't think it has much collector value anyhow does it?

[jdickson397]

Unless you are shooting heavy loads why do it? If all you do is go to the range then why not down load some 44 \Mags or just load 44 Specials. It just depends on how you use the gun. Be realistic.

[hangnoose]

NOTHING can change the laws of physics. recoil is what it is and can't be reduced without changing the load or bullet wt. porting only changes how the recoil is felt, by re-directing it elsewhere. for self defense I'd say no, for competition serious shooters yes. upside to porting is better bbl control and faster follow up shots, downsides, increased volume, blinding flash? at night, dirtier gun in places and a lower resale value, in general.

[A10]

I wouldn't do it. Your gun though....

[jack the toad]

Originally Posted by Sailormilan2

... if I should just add the scope and mount and not worry about the Magnaporting.

I've never had it done because I don't care for magnaporting and have no desire for any firearm with it even without any the additional costs.
The only reason I'd ever consider a brake/comp, etc would be for competition but its whatever you prefer.

[k22fan]

Collectable guns in collector condition loose a lot of value if they are ported. Common shooter grade guns, especially ones that have other alterations, loose little or no value if they’re ported, but don’t expect to recover the additional money spent on porting. With few exceptions, 629s are very common and not collector items, yet. It only takes the passage of time and leaving common guns in original condition for them to become collectable.

I have a few handguns with various porting systems. While they all reduce recoil the increased noise makes them all less pleasant to fire than unported equivalent handguns.

Reasonable men see the comfort issue opposite of the way I do, but most active long term shooters, even ones who diligently wore hearing protection, suffer permanent hearing damage. I’ve never heard of anyone with permanent injury of any type from recoil. That is the more important consideration, not shooting comfort or resale value.

[wantmoresmiths]

I say no to porting, unless its a competition gun. While I agree that yes, you do reduce the guns value, for me he real concern is how the gasses will affect the front lens of the scope or red dot. I have seen competition guns with a blast shield built into the mount to keep the gasses from affecting the optics. I say forget the porting and just reduce your loads by a few hundred FPS. Keep the full house loads for hunting only.

[chief38]

Unless you have to sell the gun because you can not deal with the recoil I would definitely leave well enough alone!

Magnaporting WILL DO the following:

1) makes the noise level much higher - unbearable for me
2) bigger muzzle flash
3) another area to keep clean
4) reduce velocity somewhat
5) a dust and dirt trap for lint and other stuff
6) de-value gun and make it harder to sell

[tomcatt51]

Originally Posted by hangnoose

NOTHING can change the laws of physics. recoil is what it is and can't be reduced without changing the load or bullet wt. porting only changes how the recoil is felt, by re-directing it elsewhere.

Yes and no. Recoil has two components. The equal and opposite reaction of: the bullet being accelerated down the barrel AND the the "jet" of high pressure gases being expelled from the barrel. Vent those gases sideways and they're no longer a recoil component and can be put to use to reduce muzzle rise.

[tomcatt51]

Magnaporting WILL DO the following:
Reuce recoil and muzzle rise.

I have a 5" 627 that's about to go to Magnaport for 4 trap ports.

Steel Challenge, Icore Open, etc, gun.

[Gunz50]

I have been an avid shooter,collector,hunter for over 45 years, and all this talk about devaluing your revolver would be true if it is a "collectors" piece.
I really don't think your 629 will be devalued by magnaporting it.
Unless of course it is a unique factory produced limited production model, in which case I would not do it.

Maybe in fifty years a standard 629 will bring top dollar, but now ???
A gun sent to Magnaport for a professional job will if anything enhance the to someone that understands its value as a shooting aid..you might not sell it to some folks, but Magnaport would not be in business for as long as it has been if it did not work and have some good shooting value or have a ton of happy customers, and repeat customers!
It may not add dollar value/return on investment just as much custom work doesn't, but then what is your point for doing it?
If you want reduced muzzle flip and a slightly reduced recoil feel, go for it.
I have a customized 44 mag. Super Blackhawk with a 5.5" barrel that is a pussy cat to shoot next to a standard model with max hand loads.
If you shoot it without proper hearing protection, yes it is quite a bit louder, I did it once , never again. But remember even without Magnaporting a 44 mag. is hurtful to your ears.
SO I never shoot without good ear plugs, or, electronic muffs .
More muzzle flash has never been a problem for me, because I dont shoot in dark places or at night.
Cleaning is an extra minute more, no big deal.
I fully endorse magnaporting for bigger, hard kicking calibers, I think you will be pleased with the outcome.

[Sailormilan2]

Originally Posted by Gunhacker

What flavor 629, the older 1/2 length ejector shroud barrel or the newer full length barrel (ala L-Frame)?

As for devaluation, I agree from a collector's viewpoint, but for those of us that spend more time using them, than looking at them (don't get me wrong, I too have my safe queens that I ooh and aah over too), I think it adds value for anyone that is "in the know" about the realized reduction in muzzle rise/flip.

It's a standard 629(no dash number), N867XXX, 6" barrel.

[k22fan]

You should have posted its vintage to begin with. Unless it already has alterations or a heck of a lot of wear, IT IS A COLLECTOR ITEM. If you f__k it up we'll make you walk the forum gang plank at the point of a cutlass.

[*chris*]

I recently bought a 686 6" barrel that had been Magnaported. Here is Massachusetts, Magnaporting devalues a gun around 33% based on what I paid for it and what unmodified guns sell for.

I shot it again today and it really isn't too annoying and certainly does not affect accuracy. Sure the front sight and muzzle get covered in carbon but it isn't a big deal.

I did shoot some massive 357 mag loads with 158gn hollow points and a whole mess of 296 powder (need to look at the recipe when I get home) and I really think it made shooting them different. I think there was more recoil and almost no muzzle rise. Shooting the same load out of a 4" 681 there is much more muzzle rise, but less felt recoil. Totally subjective and I look forward to a back to back test, but that is my feeling right now.

I shoot my 357 mag since I like recoil and muzzle rise, I would gladly trade my Magnaported 686-4 for a non ported one any time.

Chris

[Sailormilan2]

Originally Posted by k22fan

You should have posted its vintage to begin with. Unless it already has alterations or a heck of a lot of wear, IT IS A COLLECTOR ITEM. If you f__k it up we'll make you walk the forum gang plank at the point of a cutlass.

Nothing has been done to it. Though I did post that is was a "629". After I purchased it last week, I surprised my self. I thought I had purchased a 629-2 to replace the -2 I had that was stolen.
I wanted pinned, recessed, no lock, and swivel tip hammer.
So, does what I have fall under the heading of "collectable"? If it is even close to collectable it will not get modified.
At one time I had a nice collection of N frames that I had to sell when I took a new job with massive pay cut. 6 1/2" barreled Model 29, 3 Mod. 27s with 5" barrels. I have just gotten another N frame 357 and realise I had forgotten how much fun they were to shoot.

[tomcatt51]

Originally Posted by *chris*

I shoot my 357 mag since I like recoil and muzzle rise...

Clearly you need a scandium and titanium .357 J frame.

[hangnoose]

recoil comes from the bullet not the gun, regardless if the gun has porting or not, and begins the instant the firing pin ignites the primer, long before the gases reach the ports. porting DOES affect the way recoil is felt and how the gun reacts to the recoil, by redirection and WILL feel different. but the amount of recoil is still the same.

[Rpg]

I have no interest in owning a magna ported firearm. I've shot a few and have been underwhelmed.

The additional muzzle blast is a decided negative. It is miserable to shoot or to be around. Many hunting guides won't guide hunters using such a weapon.

For me, the recoil reduction doesn't compensate for the increased blast and noise.

In some competitions, reducing muzzle flip may add to your score but I'm not interested in those games - they are more about tricked out gadgets than about practical shooting.

If the recoil bothers you so much that you seriously think you need magnaporting I think you should tone down the loads or move to a lighter caliber.

Just my opinion.

[k22fan]

Originally Posted by Sailormilan2

Nothing has been done to it. [the 629 no dash that is the topic of this thread] So, does what I have fall under the heading of "collectable"? [...]

In very good or better original condition yes. 629s were only made for a few years before S&W quit pinning and recessing with the dash 1. You’ll see lots of members here post that they’ll only buy S&W revolvers that are old enough to have pinned barrels. If you think about it your actions answer your question. You sought out a pinned and recessed 629.

[Cal44]

Originally Posted by hangnoose

recoil comes from the bullet not the gun, regardless if the gun has porting or not, and begins the instant the firing pin ignites the primer, long before the gases reach the ports. porting DOES affect the way recoil is felt and how the gun reacts to the recoil, by redirection and WILL feel different. but the amount of recoil is still the same.

I don't think this is quite right.

From physics, we know that momentum is conserved so the momentum transferred to the bullet is transferred to the gun pushing back on the shooter. That's true.

But there is a second component -- the momentum of the hot gasses shooting out of the barrel. That works like a rocket engine -- hot gasses shooting out the tail of the rocket pushes the rocket up. In this case, the "rocket engine effect" pushes the gun back resulting in more recoil.

Now if some of the hot gasses are shot up and to the side (out the ports), they don't contribute to pushing back on the shooter. Hence less recoil. If the gasses shoot up, they also push the end of the barrel down resulting in less flip.

[tomcatt51]

Originally Posted by Rpg

In some competitions, reducing muzzle flip may add to your score but I'm not interested in those games - they are more about tricked out gadgets than about practical shooting.

You mean those games that teach you to shoot fast and accurately under pressure? Think that's not a practical skill?

[hangnoose]

that engine you speak of is the cartridge. would an empty gun have any recoil, other than the hammer or bolt strike? and would a cartridges energy/recoil change if it's fired from one gun vs another? you are talking about FELT/PERCIEVED recoil changes, NOT total recoil energy. just how would a gun transfer energy to a cartridge? (other than a minimal firing pin strike, certainly not enough energy/force to cause muzzle flip), I think you have it backwards. the cartridges energy travels through the gun. maybe we should consult Mr Science.

[tomcatt51]

Originally Posted by hangnoose

would a cartridges energy/recoil change if it's fired from one gun vs another? you are talking about FELT/PERCIEVED recoil changes, NOT total recoil energy.

Total recoil is the bullets momentum (not energy) plus the thrust of the gases being expelled from the barrel pushing the barrel back. Vent the gas (muzzle brakes, compensators, porting, do that) and it's no longer thrust pushing the barrel back. Less recoil.

[WHO CARES]

Have you experimented with various grips - some may appreciably reduce felt recoil. For me, I like the old Pachmyer rubber grips when it comes to taming recoil - especially in longer shooting sessions.

Adding a traditional scope and mounts will also knock down the kick quite a bit.

I could never get used to the increase in the noise level with ported guns. It hurts.

ward

[Sailormilan2]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

IF u have a pined & recessed 629 we wont to see it.

Here are pics, as requested, shown with the wood grips it came with. We tried standard Pachmyers when we shot it the other day. But, they place the knuckle of the second finger right behind the trigger gaurd. It beats me and my son there. So, we are now going to try the Packmyer Grippers. They move the second finger down a bit, so it won't get smacked as hard, if at all by the trigger guard.
We have a set of jet black S&W smooth grips, with finger grooves, but they are almost too big for my hands, definately too big for my eldest son's hands. But my youngest son likes them.

[shawn mccarver]

I would not have that modification done. I would not buy a gun so modified.

[Cal44]

Going back to the original question.

I'd start by adding the scope and see how much that helped with recoil.

Then I'd probably just adjust the loads I was using until the recoil became acceptable.

There are light 44 mag loads out there -- Buffalobore even has some they developed for the 329PD that supposedly come close to full power with less recoil.

Then there are 44 specials and cowboy 44 mags you could try.

If it were me, I wouldn't spend the money on Magnaporting.

Instead spend it on ammo and shoot more.

Dave

[farmer56]

You don't say what your plans are to do with the pistol. If you plan on hunting with it and full house loads give you the flinches maybe its the thing to do but I wouldn't. The flash and the noise from magna-ported pistols and rifles I find extremely distracting. If you are going to hunt with it I would shoot it enough to get used to it without the port. If you reload, I think you could tame it down to where it doesn't bother you. Personally I don't like ports on rifles or pistols.

[PattonTime]

I have no equipment to test recoil so I have to be just offering an opinion.
I have shot the same Ruger Super Redhawk 44 Mag before and after.
I can only say it was much louder and recoil may have felt different, but
not less.
I have actually removed the muzzle brake and replaced it with a solid comp bought here on the Forum on my 4" Smith Model 500
I really enjoy shooting it more now, much, much quieter and no more recoil that I can feel, but the muzzle does flip up quite a bit more.
The muzzle flip I can speak to, and there may be some small recoil reduction, but the noise level increase is much worse in my opinion.
So, like most everything with handguns, you should do what you want, but why a p& r Model 629 ?
Why not just buy one that is all ready ported, there was one here on Forum recently.
It would be a newer model better suited to heavy loads, if you are not going to shoot heavy loads why do it ?
Plus you will not have to drill and tap for a scope mount.
It will all ready be done on anything made from early 90's on up.
You can of course do what ever you want but why ???

[tomcatt51]

Originally Posted by PattonTime

Plus you will not have to drill and tap for a scope mount.
It will all ready be done on anything made from early 90's on up.

Really good point. A newer drilled and tapped gun is a much better choice if you are going to mount a scope or red dot. Sell the P&R gun (at a premium of course but then you'll find out how many who tell you "it's a collectible" etc won't actually pay a premium for it) and buy a later drilled and tapped gun.

Recoil is very subjective. I shoot at an indoor range that has armor plate "dividers" on each side of the shooting position. Some stuff I shoot (my pin gun is ported) indoors and I think "that has some recoil" then I go outside and shoot the same gun and load and it's "why did I think that recoiled?". Difference is the noise and concussion, not actual recoil, subjective recoil.