S&W shield plus PC question

[mineral hillbilly]

Howdy, new member here- I've got an older shield plus Performance Center 9, which is perfect for my EDC. Was browsing new ones, and see that they now come ported, or with a comp. Was wondering if one of y'all has spent time with either of these, and what difference either one of those makes. Worth trading, or having it ported? TIA

 

[geeollie]

Ported blows hot gas out the ports to lessen the tendency of the barrel to rise when being shot. It reduces muzzle flip. That is a benefit.

The negatives include making most firearms somewhat louder. And the hot gas blowing out the top could make a situation where one needed to shoot the firearm from a very close to body position somewhat dangerous to the shooter. Indoors also could be a bad thing if the gasses are deflected toward the shooter by a wall etc...

My 3 cents says porting is OK for range work, hunting and competitive shooting if allowed....especially if wearing hearing protection. But for a carry gun, if is a poor choice.

 

[Motorsporting]

Good info here. A Brief Guide To Pistol Compensators | An Official Journal Of The NRA

I have a couple ported (MP Shields) and one comped (Shadow System). I love them both, carry both, and have shot both in low/no-light with no issues. I would definitely recommend them; I really feel (which is subjective) they return to target much faster. The flash isn't nearly as noticeable as the noise is (ported), to me at least, especially with defensive +p ammo!