Magna-port a 4" 44 Mag?

[4eyes]

I have the 4 inch mtn. gun, a bit lighter than a redhawk. I shoot a lot of 44 special in it. Don't shoot magnums often but if you practice with some you'll improve. Every bear I have ever encountered turned tail and ran, but they were black bears. I would give up fishing if I had to compete with the brown ones.

 

[Wbblazer90]

I have a DE that is magna ported, but I've no comparison. The 50 AE round throws fireballs no matter what type of porting you have though.

 

[98Redline]

I would opt not to port it.
If recoil and muzzle rise are a concern, both practice and a different grip will help mitigate that and get you back on target faster.
IMHO the stock Redhawk sideplate grips are a bit too small for the recoil. The shorter bantam rubber grips keep from getting a full purchase on the revolver and from my experience, make the recoil feel worse. I have a set of Nils Griffe grips on mine and it has greatly improved both the perceived recoil of full throttle loads and my ability to get back on target.
http://us.nill-shop.com/Replacement...Ruger-Redhawk-smooth-finger-grooves-open-back

A hot loaded 44mag with a ported 4" barrel, especially without hearing protection is going to be loud.
Like one shot permeant EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE loud. Just the concussion from the ports will likely increase your back on target time due to the shock of the blast.

I carry the same gun with a 5 1/2" barrel and haven't considered porting it.

 

[Alaskan Ironworker]

Question. Does porting affect your ability to shoot cast bullets? Seems like i read that it can shave lead? Is that why taurus’ porting has the expansion chamber?

 

[Riomouse911]

I have two ported guns; a Springfield Armory V-16 in .45 Super and a S&W 629 .44 mag Classic Power Port. Both use different methods to vent gasses and I do see a reduction in muzzle flip when compared to similar non-ported guns.

The V-16 is a 6" long slide that has two rows of 8 small holes drilled in the barrel at about 2 and 11 o'clock, and a corresponding oval opening in the slide that allows all 16 holes to vent upwards. The porting is between the front sight and the rear sight rather than in front of it like a compensator. I see little to no flash, and even with stout 230 gr Super loads recoil isn't bad at all. I believe my muzzle rise with the V-16 and hot Super loads is less than the 5" SA 1911, and much less than the 4" SR 1911, with either gun shooting 185 gr bullets at standard velocities.

The Power Port 629 is a single-opening twelve o'clock port with an intregal gas-expansion chamber machined into the muzzle end of the 6.5" full lug barrel. The front sight sits further back from the end of the barrel, slightly reducing the sight radius. This gun recoils upwards much less than my old 5" classic full lug did when fired with comparable loads, and it's not even close with the non ported 4" 629 Mountain Gun. This I attribute more to the porting than the extra inches of barrel and lug weight.

I really can't tell the noise difference with muffs on between the ported guns and the non ported guns, both will leave your ears ringing after you shoot if unprotected. The "concussion " also doesn't seem to be worse, especially from a revolver that already has blast shooting 360 degrees out of the barrel/cylinder gap 4 to 6 inches closer to your face and ears anyway. Now indoors or under a solid cover they can be louder because blast is being directed upwards (and laterally using some guns) with the porting.

Rifles seem to be a different story when braked or ported, especially for people who are at your sides on a range. In a word: they suck for everyone other than the shooter. Muzzle flip is greatly reduced but there is a noticeable volume difference with them, and like from a handgun muzzle blast is usually directed laterally/upwards rather than forward out of the muzzle. In training I've had more than one M-4 touched off by others lined up in a stack behind me with their muzzle sitting just past my right shoulder. 5.56 muzzle blast from a 14.5" sporting an A-2 flash hider in such a position is bad enough... a gun with a compensator or brake will just about knock your helmet askew and ear muffs off while peppering your cheek and neck with powder residue, trust me!

If you want to try it, give Mag-na-porting a call. I really believe it does reduce muzzle flip and can help keep your gun on target during firing when compared to a non ported magnum revolver.

Stay safe!

 

[CajunBass]

I bet it looks pretty cool shooting in the dark.

Back in my IPSC days, (club level only) a couple of fellows had Mag-Na-Ported 1911's. I remember some pictures I took about dusk one time that clearly showed fire in the spent cartridge case in the air, at the breach end of the barrel, and at the muzzle. You could also see the classic V pattern venting from the barrel. I was looking through the viewfinder, so I didn't notice any of it until I got the film developed. (Yes, youngsters...you had to do that in those days.)

I never asked them if the porting helped.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

So. Almost six months to the day that I started this discussion. I've been shooting the gun in leagues that entire time. (about 3k rounds through it so far.)

Ultimately, I decided not to roll the dice on this. Without being able to shoot a ported gun, I have no way to truly know what I'm getting into. I called Ruger today to inquire about the cost of rebarreling the gun in the event I don't like the porting. $314 for the barrel and $240 for labor, plus shipping. Shipping to magnaport (Michigan) was going to be $75 each way, so I can count on at least $150 to ship to and from Ruger. so about $700 to correct if this turns out to be a mistake. I only paid $895 to buy it. On my limited income, that's not a gamble I'm willing to take.

 

[CraigC]

There would be cheaper and easier ways to correct other than Ruger but in the end, I think you made the right decision. For me, porting eliminates any gun from consideration unless I plan on having it shortened.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

There would be cheaper and easier ways to correct other than Ruger...

Possibly, but the barrel will have to come from Ruger, no matter what. My local gunsmith charges about $60/ IIRC, so I could probably save $60-120 in labor almost all of the shipping.

I haven't even considered the cost of porting and shipping in that $700. If I were to consider those costs in addition to the rebarreling, I'd be well over the full purchase price.

 

[CraigC]

Not necessarily, barrels are floating around and not too tough to find.

Yep, it usually makes more sense to sell a ported gun and replace with one that isn't if you want to reverse the procedure.

 

[WestKentucky]

I had a 6” ported 44. Recoil was much more tame than a similar gun that wasn’t ported. It was a totally different feel. Was more straight back than it was flippy. I did notice a lot more noise though, and that was one of 2 guns that I absolutely refused to shoot under a tin roof. It and the AR pistol were obnoxiously loud.

 

[HB]

If the use is animal defense then most of the experts on people defense carry some weight. They say no porting because it could be used at contact distance. Which means you could cut your up hand up bad with a 44... when you’re being eaten I don’t think you’d notice but hey.

You’re better off spending $200 on reloading equipment or components and practice.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

If the use is animal defense then most of the experts on people defense carry some weight. They say no porting because it could be used at contact distance. Which means you could cut your up hand up bad with a 44... when you’re being eaten I don’t think you’d notice but hey.

You’re better off spending $200 on reloading equipment or components and practice.

Well, if a bear is on top of me when I pull the trigger (which is why I didn't buy an autoloader) then maybe that V-shaped muzzle blast will be an asset, but at that point, I'm kinda splitting hairs.

But as for the money, that's kind of what I'm thinking. In fact, the money that would have covered the porting will go into a new 10/22 for my son. Hoping to get him into competitive shooting this summer.

 

[CraigC]

I had a 6” ported 44. Recoil was much more tame than a similar gun that wasn’t ported. It was a totally different feel. Was more straight back than it was flippy. I did notice a lot more noise though, and that was one of 2 guns that I absolutely refused to shoot under a tin roof. It and the AR pistol were obnoxiously loud.

That's the thing most folks don't realize. It doesn't really reduce recoil, it reduces muzzle flip and that's not the same thing. The recoil is redirected, into your palm.

 

[Gordon]

I disagree with redirected into your palm . I started having Magnaport done on pistols, then rifles since the 70s. I have had mag na ported the following over the years : 8" model 29 .44mag, 4" Model 29 .44mag , Charter .44 Bull dog , S&W Model 28 4" .357, S&W Model 19 6in .357, two custom Remington 600 ultralight .308s , an old model Ruger 4 5/8 .44 Flat top Mag na Port cut back from longer barrel, and a custom 5 shot Bisley Ruger made into .454 with 5" barrel . All feel less recoil to me as on rifles the cheek piece doesn't rise up to smack you and quadra porting does have a rear gas redirection component. The pistols all have less recoil to my and other users hands , I clamped the S&Ws into Ransom rests years ago and it totally was noticeable reduction , and slightly less back thrust on the sled which had index marked in inches on bench. That said I do not like SD semi autos with ports, because of the upper flash, tho I do like smoked sights . I have not ported my beautiful 1989 S&W 629 .44 Mag Mountain revolver as it would bring down it's value somewhat. Lot's of people don't like pistol porting , but are OK with it on rifles- go figure. And yes I have heard how the SA pistol rolls up in recoil reducing the palm smack, why be adverse to a gas jet doing the same and keeping sights on target ? because you like to recock the hammer in a raised pistol format ? Hmmm?

 

[CraigC]

It's not my opinion, it's fact. Supported by basic physics. Porting doesn't change the backthrust forces that become "felt" recoil. It has to go somewhere, either pivoting up or pushing back. Porting reduces muzzle rise by transmitting more recoil forces backwards, into the palm.

 

[AK103K]

Question. Does porting affect your ability to shoot cast bullets? Seems like i read that it can shave lead?

I recently picked up a 3" S&W Model 696 .44Spl. that was factory ported. I would have preferred it wasnt ported, but it was a deal, so I bought it.

The last ported gun Id owned, was a 4" Model 29 I had done back in the 80's. Back then I swore then Id never do another. Now I remember why.

To answer your question, yes, you can shoot lead. If youre shooting more than a couple of cylinders full, youll probably be alright. After that, you probably wont be seeing your front sight much, or at least, not what youre expecting. Between the fouling and the lead, it gets coated/fouled pretty quick. If theres an insert, you wont be seeing it, and the edges are no longer "sharp". Plated or jacketed bullets eliminate the lead issue, but the fouling issue is still there.

When I had the 29 done, I remember them claiming it reduced felt recoil, as well as helped keep the muzzle down. I really saw neither. What I did see, and what was quite impressive, was the flaming "V" when fired in lower light or indoors. That redirected gas would not be a pleasant thing if the gun were fired from a retention position, or close to your body. Something to consider and keep in mind.

 

[BSA1]

I have had three revolvers Mag-Na-Ported over the years.

1. 2 1/2" S&W Model 66 - I saw no benefit. Looked cool though.

2. 4" S&W Model 581 - Duty gun. Can't say for sure how much it helped but contrary to the comments being made I did not feel it was disadvantage either. As a general rule I did not carry hot magnum ammo.

3. 6" S&W Model 29 - Love it! Works great with hot 44 Magnum loads. I shot a deer once hanging halfway out of the stand holding on to the tree with one hand to keep from falling out and shot the deer with the other hand. . No discomfort, less felt recoil and no problems with holding onto the gun. Rapid follow-up shot would have been very easy if needed.

Great for double action shooting for hogs also. Hogs often called for rapid shooting and getting back on target quickly enough can mean the difference between dead right there and tracking it.

4" S&W Model 29 / Ruger Redhawk with hot magnum loads in bear county? I would get it done in a New York minute. You will not be able to buy your son a 10/22 when your money is being spent on medical bills from the bear chewing on you. The hotter the load the greater the benefit from the gases venting upwards.

 

[BSA1]

It's not my opinion, it's fact. Supported by basic physics. Porting doesn't change the backthrust forces that become "felt" recoil. It has to go somewhere, either pivoting up or pushing back. Porting reduces muzzle rise by transmitting more recoil forces backwards, into the palm.

Probably depends on the grip and grip material..

With two hand grip you are fighting to keep the gun from recoiling for quicker follow-up shots.

With one hand grip you are allowing the gun to pivot in the hand. This is one of the reason single action revolvers are comfortable to shoot with hot loads.

Rubber grips that are so popular are intended to keep the gun from slipping in the hands whereas smooth wood grips allow the gun to pivot in the hands redirecting the recoil away from the body. With hot loads I use factory wood grips.

edited; The more correct common usage term for describing handling the recoil of a single action revolver is to allow it to roll upwards in your hand. I have installed Bisley hammers on my Ruger Vaqueros. Since the hammer spur is lower it places it closer to my thumb for recocking the gun.

 

[CraigC]

Grip angle or material doesn't change anything but 'felt' recoil. The recoil energy is still there and porting does nothing to reduce it. It either goes up or back.

The SA is more comfortable because more recoil is directed upwards, rather than backwards. Due not only to the grip geometry but also the higher bore in relation to the grip. If you're "fighting" heavy recoil you're fighting a losing battle. One handed or two, it makes no difference, you're better off letting it do its thing. I also disagree about an SA pivoting 'in' the hands. Your grip should remain firm and static throughout the recoil pulse. Your hands should roll 'with' it.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

That only works if you're handloading.

If ya don't handload, ya ain't right.

 

[BSA1]

Grip angle or material doesn't change anything but 'felt' recoil. The recoil energy is still there and porting does nothing to reduce it. It either goes up or back.

That is whole concept of porting. The hotter the cartridge the more gas that is directed upward counteracting the muzzle rise.

The SA is more comfortable because more recoil is directed upwards, rather than backwards. Due not only to the grip geometry but also the higher bore in relation to the grip. If you're "fighting" heavy recoil you're fighting a losing battle. One handed or two, it makes no difference, you're better off letting it do its thing.

Yep except rubber grips can prevent it from "letting it do its thing" which seems to be part of the reason that I find my 6" ported M-29 comfortable to shoot with full magnum loads and the factory wood grips.

I also disagree about an SA pivoting 'in' the hands. Your grip should remain firm and static throughout the recoil pulse. Your hands should roll 'with' it.

You are splitting hairs with my terminology. I apologize for using what you consider to be inaccurate word. I roll with it.

Regardless if packing a 4" 44 Magnum / Ruger Redhawk with heavy loads (jacketed or hard case lead) it will be Mag-Na-Ported. Bears have heavy coats so jamming the muzzle against it's body and pulling the trigger while it is chawing on U it will fry some of it's fur.

 

[cal44mag]

I have a 2.5 inch Smith and Wesson 629 "Backpacker".

It was factory Magna Ported.

It does have less muzzle flip than I expected. It's fairly easy to shoot for a 44 magnum.

The noise doesn't seem worse that any other short barrel revolver in 38+P or larger caliber. But I've only shot it with ear protectors on.

There is a lot of muzzle flash.

I figure if I ever had to shoot a bear with it, if I missed it would set the bear on fire.

 

[CraigC]

You are splitting hairs with my terminology.

Not splitting hairs. I'm taking your words literally.

 

[AK103K]

Alaskan Ironworker,

To answer your question on the lead shaving thing, take a look at the front sight on cal44mag's gun. You can see the lead on the side of the sight base and on the insert. My experience, thats just a few shots too, or the gun was sort of cleaned. It takes a good bit of work to get the lead off.

This is my 696 after around 50 rounds of LSWC's. Theres a red insert in there if you look....


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