Porting a Full size 40

[RumRunner]

So I have been toying with porting the barrel and slide of my Full size 40. Honestly, I do perfer it over my 40 Shield, but the Shield is for carrying. The M&P 40 will see some defensive duty, but mostly in home and range time. I carry it in a custom Kydex holster (IWB and OWB) or a IMI Defense Holster (for OWB).

I was looking at Magnaport International to do it. Cheaper than buying a 4.95 Storm Lake barrel, and it looks functional. What are you thoughts?

 

[Bkreutz]

I magnaported my 9mm Core, I thought the money was well spent.

 

[Fepa13]

My personal opinion is I'm not a fan of porting on a handgun that will be used in a defensive situation.

 

[Muss Muggins]

What are you hoping to gain?

 

[Rastoff]

I agree with Fepa13.

Most defensive shootings happen in low light conditions. You will already have a lot to deal with. Adrenalin pumping, a bad guy threatening you, trying to aim properly, making sure of your background. Then you'll have to deal with the loud noise and potential muzzle flash if you fire. Adding more flash which is directed upward just complicates the situation further.

For a competition gun that will be used in bright light, yes, they can be very helpful. Not for protection though.

 

[hardluk1]

It the upward blast that could be a major issue for a defensive pistol. Fireing the pistol close to the body will cause the blast to be directed at your face and eyes. Something to think about .

You could by a low cost stock barrel to use for defense and use the fancy ported barrel for fun . I have a ported barrel for my dan Wesson 44mag . Used it once to chronograph my loads against a non-ported barrel. Also tried to judge any reduction in muzzle flip and could not . Clean and oil the ported barrel and its been put away for decades now .

 

[RumRunner]

It the upward blast that could be a major issue for a defensive pistol. Fireing the pistol close to the body will cause the blast to be directed at your face and eyes. Something to think about .

You could by a low cost stock barrel to use for defense and use the fancy ported barrel for fun . ...

That is a good point. it may even be an option to buy a pistol specifically for range days.

As Rastoff highlighted, most defensive fire happens in low light situations. I can see where the flash would mess with target retention.

Then goes the question... do I buy another M&P to play with specifically and keep one for defensive carry?

 

[Rastoff]

Then goes the question... do I buy another M&P to play with specifically and keep one for defensive carry?

Really? You're asking US if you should buy another gun? Um, OK, I'll bite...


...YES!!! Of course you should buy another gun!!!

 

[RumRunner]

It was really rhetorical but.... a 1911 is next on my list. It won't be a carry weapon so the porting will be more feasable.

 

[Rastoff]

It was really rhetorical but.... a 1911 is next on my list. It won't be a carry weapon so the porting will be more feasable.

A 1911 is always a good decision. But why not carry it? I do.

 

[RumRunner]

I can't wear a belt due to hip problems, so I wear suspenders. A 1911 will cause a "Pants on the Ground" problem... the lighter weight polymer frames don't drag my pants down.

 

[Rastoff]

Get stiffer suspenders.