Porting a pistol

[SStomcat]

Has anyone ported their stock pistol and what benefits do you see if any ?

 

[JimP]

It was all the rage back in the 70's and 80's.

I have a 12" Thompson Center Contecder in 7-30 Waters that is ported, it makes quite a bit of difference in recoil, and muzzle jump. Along with a lot more noise to the side.

 

[steve white]

IDK if porting can be done on slide action autos, as the pressure will exert downward. And I may be completely wrong with my doubts. Canceling some muzzle rise seems the most popular application, and would DEFINITELY work on fixed barrels like revolvers, or break actions.

 

[UpNorthMI]

Magnaport are based here in SE Michigan, take a look at there website, they have solutions for semi auto handguns and just about everything else!

www.magnaport.com

I've some work done by them, very competent.

 

[Legion]

For a range toy or competition gun? Hell yeah. For a carry gun? Most trainers will tell you to skip it. Some ports also change the gun's reliability with certain ammo, especially if it's a marginal load.

 

[analog_peninsula]

It works really well in my 2 1/2” 686 with full power loads. I’m a big mag-na-port fan, for both rifles and handguns.

 

[CoElkHunter]

IDK if porting can be done on slide action autos, as the pressure will exert downward. And I may be completely wrong with my doubts. Canceling some muzzle rise seems the most popular application, and would DEFINITELY work on fixed barrels like revolvers, or break actions.

I had a factory Glock 21C (.45acp compensated). It had a rectangular hole on the front top of the slide and ported barrel. I eventually sold it after I found out you couldn’t shoot snake shot out of that ported barrel.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

keep in mind the noise if you shoot it without hearing protection, I have a Raging Bull 454 Casull factory ported and made the mistake of shooting it once and forgot my muffs, thought I would never hear again, it was like shoving ice picks in my ears

 

[Corylax18]

Photos of a Glock 19C that I recently picked up, along with a couple groups it shot at about 7 yards/21 feet. Actually the 2nd and 3rd 10 shot groups I shot with it. The only other modification is a Tungsten Guide Rod. Between the ports and the extra weight up front, there is almost no muzzle rise.

As others have mentioned, this isn't your best option for a carry gun, or even for home protection, but man is it FUN to shoot.

I also have a S&W 329PD (44 mag, scandium frame, titanium cylinder) that has been worked on by both Magna Port and the S&W performance center. It's still a handful, but the Magna Porting noticeably reduced the recoil. I occasionally carry it in the Colorado back country, but it really is over kill for anything I would run around here.

 

[coreydb]

I have a S&W 44Mag Magna ported.....still too much. Smaller caliber pistols are easy (for me) to stay on target with follow up shots.

 

[SStomcat]

So the voice is port for range/competition and fun; the downside is noise and potential reliability issues. For home and self defense better to leave the gun as is for reliability and safety.

 

[Flbt]

I have un ported 3 that came with ports.
I did not see that much change in them except not as loud.

 

[analog_peninsula]

With a 2.5" .357, I can't tell any noise difference, as it's just plain loud no matter what you do. Mag-na-porting doesn't reduce recoil, it reduces muzzle jump which reduces perceived recoil. As long as you have realistic expectations, it's a good way go.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

If “Pistol”= “Semi-Auto” a compensator is a much more effective system than porting. Smith & Wesson offers a few Wheelguns with a factory expansion chamber that are more efficient than simple porting. Note that in any close quarters selfdefense situation any gas venting system can burn the Defender. Also, if after market porting a revolver then take into account what damage, if any, the front sight will sustain from escaping gases.

 

[Had213]

Plenty of folks have ported stock pistols Glocks, 1911s, CZs, etc.mostly for range competition fun, rarely for carry.

Noticeably less muzzle flip often 30–40% reduction in rise per tests videos, flatter shooting, faster follow ups.

Feels softer smoother overall, easier control on rapid strings big win for steel challenge or IDPA style drills.

Some say it makes snappier calibers like P 9mm or .40 more pleasant.

Drawbacks real world gripes

Louder blast concussion to face ears, especially indoors or from retention.

Brighter muzzle flash worse in low light, can blind you temporarily.

Minor velocity loss 20–50 fps, more crud on slide front sight, extra cleaning.

For carry gas blast risk to hands face, potential shrapnel jacket shearing rare but mentioned, and not worth it for most self defense scenarios.