Porting & value of gun

[hudlow]

Does porting affect the value of a handgun negatively? I have two S&W revolvers (696) that are in very, very good condition. One is a no dash, the other is a -1. The revolver that is no dash is ported and it appears to have been done professionally. The other (-1) is in as good shape but is not ported.

I want to use one as a carry gun and the other will go in the safe for the future generations.

As far as value goes, considering both guns are equal in condition, which one would you carry in order to save the more valuable gun for "the kids"?

Thanks for your thoughts, hud

 

[PH-2]

hudlow,

Carry the ported gun.

Mike

 

[Broker50]

Porting on a revolver is one of those things most don't want. A few may pay extra for it, most will devalue the gun up to as much as 50%, & some won't want the gun at any price. Personally, I fall in the middle group, but would never carry a ported revolver for a defense gun.

 

[hudlow]

Thanks for the advice. That's kinda what I was thinking. I wish it had been the other way around and the no dash gun would have been unmolested. But it
will be a great carry gun.

Thanks, hud

 

[TAROMAN]

Think of porting as being like a house with a swimming pool.
For the few buyers who actually want a pool, great.
For many others, however, its a negative.
personally, I would never purchase a ported revolver at any price.

 

[surveyor_nm]

Keep in mind that if you ever have to fire from a retention position, those ports are going to blow ejecta directly up at you. Just thinking out loud...

Bill Mahnke
SWCA #1915

 

[S&W ucla]

Some 696s were factory magnaported, in a run for Lew Horton I believe. The problem with porting is fewer people want it. It also tends to get dirtier with lead bullets. I have magnaport on a 629 and it does make a difference in muzzle rise. Firing from the retention position, the barrel cylinder gap is as bad as the ports!

 

[chief38]

I have never been a Magna-port fan. They tend to shorten the effective barrel length, make the noise of the blast much greater, and devalue the gun. I would pass on a Magna-ported firearm, but that's just me. Obviously there are many guys who like it........ I'm just simply stating my personal preference here.

Chief38

 

[LEO918]

Deduct $100 per hole in value at least.