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]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/189397-mag-na-port.html

 

[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]

NO SCIENTIFIC TESTS NEEDED

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]

... 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]

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 ***** 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]

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.