Ported vs Non-Ported

[tundraman]

What is the difference in functionality between a Ported and Non-Ported handgun?

[blkA4alb]

Ported barrels are designed to reduce muzzle flip/recoil. They are fairly common on competition handguns but are not well suited for a defensive handgun. If you had to shoot it at night the ports would direct the flash into your line of sight.

[saki302]

And if you shoot close to your body, you will shortly be greeted by the aroma of searing flesh

-Dave

[krim]

mmmm... who's bbq'n?

oh, those were my eyebrows.

--
but seriously, what blka4 said.

[M24]

I had a ported V16 (Longslide Springfield .45) back in the day. Amazingly enough, when I would shoot it, tiny hot pieces of the copper jacket would be "cheese grated" off as the bullet went down the pipe. These would hit me in the face, not a very good design in my opinion.

I am not saying all ported bbls will do this. I have shot a Glock 17 with ported bbl, and had no issues. I guess it's just something I thought I would chime in about. The porting does reduce felt recoil IMHO, just be sure to try out the gun if you can before buying one.

[tundraman]

Thanks for all the replies guy's. I was just curious because I see the ported models offered and was not sure what advantages they offered.

[762cavalier]

I agree with whats already been said-porting on a defensive handgun is not a good thing. First shot at night and you won't see anything else till the little blue spots go away. great on a race gun to keep muzzle flip down

[saki302]

If you want to try a ported Glock out, buy a C model, then get a non-ported aftermarket barrel for it. you'll then have an option of having both in the same gun.

-Dave

[Pokey]

I liked Clint Smith's comment on porting defensive handguns
"Seems to me that you want all of the flaming death going towards the other guy"