Jovino VS Magnaport Mini Combat

[6string]

Hi Everyone,

There seems to be a lot of reverence for the custom snub-nose conversions done by John Jovino. I realize that Jovino and his shop hold a special place in the hearts of our law enforcement members. And, his work has acheived a status wherein it's collectible in its own right.
I was wondering, though, why not too much is said about the beautiful custom conversions done by Magnaport? I have seen and shot one of them back before S&W even introduced the 3" Lew Horton 24-3. It was gorgeous and honestly shot like a target pistol. Less recoil, better trigger, and better accuracy than when it was a stock 4" 29-2.
I put this query in the gunsmithing section in case somebody had any thoughts or experiences from a technical perspective, or just plain old opinion?
Feel free to post your pictures, too, if you have any of these babies!

Here's a quote from an old Magnaport brochure:


Combat Mini conversion - A custom design for maximum concealability, using a Smith & Wesson 29, 629, 25 or 57 or on any N-Frame revolver. Rework grip frame to round butt k-frame; Mag-Na-Port process; Cut and crown barrel, furnish and remount Baughman front sight; Installation of front locking device (double ball detent in top of crane); Colored front sight insert, yellow or red; Combat trigger conversion; Semi-bob hammer; Fine tune action. Velvet Hone Finish

 

[Goblin]

I haven't handled one, but I've always been impressed by the photos of the Mag-Na-Port work. I wouldn't hesitate to have one done if I had a base gun and the money to work with.

Edit: As a side note, I had an Anaconda ported by Mag-Na-Port and I'm very happy with the work.

 

[Shootgood]

I have one of the model 29 guns Magna port did and called them the Professional. The gun is one of a run of 200. Not everyone may like them but it's one of my favorite, even though it's not the most valuable.

 

[aplombardo]

The Magnaport jobs are much, much nicer but since magnaport is still in business they don't seem to have the same collector interest.

 

[ddixie884]

I have a 629 mag na port 3" custom it is great. I just wish it wasn't ported..........

 

[6string]

The Magnaport jobs are much, much nicer but since magnaport is still in business they don't seem to have the same collector interest.

Reminds me of the old joke about artists: They don't get rich until after they die!

 

[spdguns]

Here is mine. It has the full Magna-Port treatment. 629-1, barrel shortened to 3" and recrowned. Magnaport Logo added to the left side of the barrel, S&W markings added to the right side of the barrel. Trigger smoothed and polished, hammer semi- bobbed, radiused rear sight. The action on this thing rivals the best S&W PC action I've ever felt. Diamond hone refinish and the cylinders have been numbered.

I'll add pictures later when I can find an internet that cooperates

 

[CH4]

I like the look of the Magnaport conversion and have thought about having one of my pieces done, but sans porting.

 

[CWH44300]

Magnaport does beautiful work
They'll do just about anything you want
I've posted my custom mountain revolver many times
The action, both single and double is unbelievable
It's one of my favorite 44's
It's not for everyone but isn't that the point of a true custom gun?

 

[CWH44300]

Here's a few more pictures

 

[ladder13]

I'd do one if I had a donor. No porting.

 

[rbmac52]

I like everything about the Magnaport Customs, except the ports.

 

[rogerwnuss]

Becoming very fond of mine. Recently acquired so unfired ( by me) as of yet, but friend I got it from says it shoots like a dream. I'm such a dumbass I didn't realize it had a full Mag-na-port treatment- chrome bore, porting, trigger job , hard chrome cylinder , jeweled hammer and trigger- until another friend who had had a similarly done m29 years ago enlightened me. Beautiful work....and previous owner as well as m29 owner loved the porting..

 

[MP-5]

Ahh! Memories of yesteryear

Classic

 

[rogerwnuss]

Ahh! Memories of yesteryear

Classic

Dude, how do you get it to show a big picture?? I can't figure out how to get anything but the little thumbnail thing......

 

[GerSan69]

One thing that's probably relevant: I've never heard of a PD that allows a modification like Magnaporting on duty guns. Combination of tradition and the belief that any "blast" coming through the ports is blinding, especially at night. As younger, less rigid-thinking people advance into management, I'm sure that will change.

 

[CH4]

FYI
Just called Magnaport. They're 1.5 to 2 years out for custom jobs like the Combat Mini. Guess my 610-1 will remain 6.5' for awhile.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

in an 80s Guns & Ammo Annual I have there's a long article by Dave Arnold where he shoots about six Magnaport snubs. They're 2 1/2" 29s, 629s, Model25s, and a 3" 29. Tons of photos, too.

 

[LCC]

Dude, how do you get it to show a big picture?? I can't figure out how to get anything but the little thumbnail thing......

FYI, have to join as a paying member to get big pic access

 

[SAFireman]

Becoming very fond of mine. Recently acquired so unfired ( by me) as of yet, but friend I got it from says it shoots like a dream. I'm such a dumbass I didn't realize it had a full Mag-na-port treatment- chrome bore, porting, trigger job , hard chrome cylinder , jeweled hammer and trigger- until another friend who had had a similarly done m29 years ago enlightened me. Beautiful work....and previous owner as well as m29 owner loved the porting.

Roger - you have to use the picture icon when making a post

FYI, have to join as a paying member to get big pic access

LCC - No, you just need to use the tool bar at the top of the post screen.

Here is Roger's photo -