model 29 ported

[paplinker]

I saw a model 29 in nickel, s210xxx (hard to read) four screw at a local gun shop. It has what i guess is a ported bbl. Two slots on either side of the rib by the muzzle. Is that common? I am not a N frame guy so just asking to learn. Sure was nice. Has a presentation box for that bbl size.I think 6"

 

[Dennis The B]

I own a Model 29-2, that's been Magnaported. It's a four-inch barrel, and the Magnaporting has no effect on the recoil. I also have a Model 29-5, 5" barrel, that's Magnaported.

I came to the conclusion that Magnaporting is marginal, at best, in taming recoil or muzzle flip. My 7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk does benefit. So the longer the barrel, the more benefit. I also did a side-by-side test using identical Model 19's, with 4" barrels. I concluded that there was no difference in the recoil or muzzle flip.

Magnaporting seems like it reached its peak of popularity in the mid-1980's. I owned a T/C Contender, 44 Magnum, with a 14" barrel. Even Magnaported, the gun was not fun to shoot after about 5 rounds.

My conclusion, and YMMV, is that Magnaporting just doesn't work well with barrels under 7.5"

The value of any revolver would be at least $100 less if Magnaported vs. non-Magnaported.

 

[opoefc]

I have one, a Model 29-2 with a 5 in. ported barrel. Same two slots each side of the barrel rib, about 5/8th in. back from the muzzle. Ser. # N318682, nickel plated, with Pachmayr Presentation grips. Came that way from the factory, special order, I believe. It's a great shooter, as recoil is nicely reduced. I don't think ported Model 29s are common. Ed.

 

[StatesRightist]

Having a ported gun, it is my feeling that it definitely reduces muzzle flip. Recoil is subjective, some feel it helps, some feel it does not. It should also be noted there are multiple types of porting, some more effective for specific barrels and recoil reduction than others.

I would not port a blued gun if I intended to shoot lead ammo, but since yours is nickel, it's a non-issue. Some will down porting, like anything, some people like it, some don't. If the gun is a good price, I would not let it's porting discourage you. JMO.

 

[mbliss57]

With that S/N it is a 29 no dash from 1960 or 1961. If the price is right it will shoot great. I don't know if the porting was after market or if S&W sold 29's back then with that option. I'm inclined to think not but experts can tell you. (the SWSC makes no mention of them on the early Model 29's) Either way if the price was right I would buy it just to as a shooter. If the stocks are original they will be Cokes. They are worth several hundred $ alone. Any pics?

 

[paplinker]

Sorry no pics. Nickeling was in very nice condition and did not look renickeled if it was sent back for porting.It had junker smooth targets on them, The front sight did look a hair off center though.Its the first time i have seen slotted porting on a smith. I really just shoot 22s and 38s to keep my shooting affordable and keep my collection within reason. Did they port guns in any other way? I would give info on the shop if its not breaking the rules. 1300.00 was on the tag.

 

[jkc]

I've watched my Magna-Ported 4" 629 being shot, in comparison to a non-ported stock gun, and there's a negligible difference in muzzle "flip" --- if there's any difference in felt recoil, I can't feel it. I think Magna-Porting adds three things to short barreled revolvers --- unwarranted expense, outrageous shipping charges, lots of extra noise.

 

[CptCurl]

Question for the experts:

Did S&W offer MagnaPorting as a factory option with the 29-2? If so, was there any stamp or other notation on the gun to show this? Otherwise, does a factory letter document the porting?

Until I read this thread I had assumed all MagnaPorted 29's were done aftermarket.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lenny_D]

With a 6" barrel you may have a benefit of less muzzle flip."Perceived" recoil will be less just because of the lessened muzzle flip and JKC is 100% right about the noise. It will be outrageous! I've ported a 30-06 myself and no one likes it when I shoot it at my gun club. Anyone shooting to the sides of me can actually feel the concussion.

 

[29aholic]

To my knowledge S&W did not offer a ported gun until well into the 90's or later. That's not saying you could'nt special order something earlier. I would lay good money on any gun with ports before that being aftermarket.

 

[H Richard]

My 29-3 Classic Hunter with 4 position front sight is magnaported, it's one of 5000 special order for a distributor. Roy informed me no guns were magnaported from the factory. In the 90's S&W came up with their own type of porting, called Pro-Porting, and had it available on the 686 and other models.

 

[44wheelman]

I would think that magna-porting would kill collector value. I think $1300 for a model marked 29 (no cokes) would be $400-$600 over what most would pay.

 

[StatesRightist]

I would think that magna-porting would kill collector value. I think $1300 for a model marked 29 (no cokes) would be $400-$600 over what most would pay.

I think you are right on value wise, it's overpriced.