Magnaported guns - yes or no

[cobra44]

I found a revolver that I have been looking for locally, it is one that I have been seeking for a long time.
The only problem is that it is magnaported. It is a 44 special, 3 inch, 624.
Does this really help on a pistol?
Are there any cons to these?
Anyone own one? Just looking for input.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I don't live all that far from Mag Na Port, and I have had a few rifles done, along with one handgun. I will say that I believe that having it done on a handgun is a waste of time. Ken Kelly does great work, make no mistake about that, and is a darn nice guy too. I just haven't been able to tell any difference in muzzle rise or felt recoil on a handgun, (and I have shot a bunch that were Mag Na Ported) with one exception. I had it done on a Ruger SRH, and it did help that one, but I had him do the four port system. I believe the two port system is a complete waste of time and money.

Having it done on a collectable like any 24/624 is a shame, and decreases the value of these fine guns. Most everyone who buys one, wants it to be original.

What you have to ask yourself is, does it bother me? Do I care about resale? Looks (which aren't that bad, but it doesn't help either), and do I want the extra noise, especially from a 3" barrel? It's up to you my friend.

Just my opinion, but you did ask.

 

[S&W ucla]

cobra,
I have a 5" 629 which is magnaported. With the 44mag it does help with muzzle rise but I'm not sure how much it would help on a 3" 44spl. The only downside on mine is with heavy shooting of lead bullets a little residue tends to build up on the ports and sight ramp. Just a little extra effort to clean. I probably wouldn't port a 44spl myself or pay extra for one that has been ported. Usually anything not original calls for a discount, but as a shooter, if the price is right, I wouldn't let it stop me from buying.

Good luck,

 

[cobra44]

Thank you for the reply.
So, it does raise the noise level of the firearm?
I wish that it was not ported, but this is the first one that I have found locally and the price is right, but now I am really pondering the purchase.

On the second reply, I did notice that there is a build up of residue in the ports.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Anytime a gun is ported, it is louder to all standing beside it, and even to the shooter. Lead will definately build up around the ports, and a .44 special is right at home with lead bullets. If the price is right, and you don't mind the ports, buy it. If you feel that, after the initial rush of having a new gun wears off, you may be disappointed with the ports, pass on it. Another will come along. We have had quite a few here in the classifieds lately. hey be more than what you are looking at, but then again, they are mint, and unported.

 

[s&wchad]

... Having it done on a collectable like any 24/624 is a shame, and decreases the value of these fine guns. Most everyone who buys one, wants it to be original..

That's absolutely true, it typically lowers the value. Some guns were sent to Mag-na-port by S&W and Lew Horton for porting (It's a proprietary process) and those may sell on par or higher than non-ported guns (if you can document it).

If you can get it at a discount and you want one, go for it.

 

[rimfired]

I had Mag Na Port do a 681 years ago. I sold it. Too noisy and at night they are very flashy.

 

[jgh4445]

I shot a ported 4" 629. Sounded like the Concord took off in a small room and you couldn't have put the fireball in a 55 gal drum!

 

[model10]

A rifle maybe but a hand gun no way , unless you want to hear loud noises , an harder to clean up , I see no reason to have one , but its your choise ,I could never see the reason behind it outher than its diff on the recoil , go for it if you want , i pass on them

 

[John Fox]

I have a SRH and had it ported and Hoagies added. Now it recoils like a 357. I've hunted with it and my hot 44 mag loads and am completely satisfied with the results. I have small hands and feel recoil more than the average guy but my modifications made the gun a pleasure to shoot.

 

[Centenniel]

My 625-6 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt was Magna Ported as part of a special run by S&W. It shoots great and doesn't bother me in the least. While the 45 Colt doesn't actually need it, the fact that it was didn't cause me to re-think buying it or keeping the revolver. If you like the one you're looking at, go ahead and get it.

 

[xray97]

I bought a used 4" m29 a few years ago that is mag na ported. I paid about 1/3 less for it than a comparable unported gun. It is probably my favorite gun to shoot. .44 mag isn't fun (to me) but .44 sp feels very little different than .38sp in a 4" k-frame. I suspect mine had a mag na port "action job" as the trigger pull is smoother than any other I've experienced. I'd buy mine again in a heartbeat! No collectible but great home/motor home self defense gun.

 

[mjr]

Personally I wouldn't care to own a ported gun if it were going to be used for self-defense. There's just too much chance you'll need to fire it held close in to your body, and you could end up with was face full of hot gas.

 

[flop-shank]

Porting works better with higher pressure cartridges, and .44 spl. definately isn't high pressure. I don't shoot lead bullets, but this thread has taught me that lead and ports don't mix. Thank you guys! I'll keep running jacketed in my 5" 629. It has twin ports and a full underlug barrel. It's much more shootable than when it had a 6" halflug barrel.

 

[geddylee10002000]

magna port

Years ago I bought a 57. Shot it a couple of times. Sent it off to Larry Kelly for magnaporting, action job (which is still top notch), and the hard chrome plating. I really wanted a SS 41 mag which wasn't available at the time. I will never regret it. I spent more money on the mods than the gun. He did the action job and then hard chromed them for life of the gun. Way better gun. The felt recoil is noticeably different. It is a 6" barrel so conceilabilty is not a factor. (great shooter). I have better guns for that. Still have the original docs to go with the gun.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have a ported 3" 629 in .44 mag, and a ported speed six 2 3/4" in .357mag.They make a lot of noise.It does make a difference in the recoil.I would not personally have it done, mine came that way.

 

[cubfarm1]

Porting???

I have a very nice 629 with mag-na-port as bought new from S&W. The warmer the load the more I like the porting. HOWEVER----- THIS IS NOT FOR A CLOSE QUARTERS CARRY HANDGUN!!! fLAME AND GASSES ESCAPE AND FLY UP AT THE CHEST AND NECK. OUCH! That flame does not last but an instant but will get your attention.

 

[blackhand]

I had a M-19 6 in. ported about 35 yrs ago, it shoots great but I don't think it makes much difference. I have another 6 in. M-19 that is not ported and shooting them side by side the improvement is minimal at best.

 

[windjammer]

A Bud of mine had a Ruger Super Blackhawk. His was standard, mine was magna-ported. Mine was more pleasent to shoot, but not by much.......easy to compair..

For personal defence, I wouldn't want it..

 

[SWBigBang]

I found a model 29 with a 8 inch barrel in mint condition and for a good price, but noticed it had the magnaports (or whatever they are called).
I opted not to buy it.