Ported Barrel?

[g0t0]

Just a question. Is is better to port a barrel or add a muzzle break? is there a diff either way?

[TMC]

What type of gun, rifle or pistol?

[g0t0]

Rifle. M39 bolt action. Just wondering, not really going to do either unless I'm sure it's effective in lessening the recoil.

[Twystd1]

I have several target rifles that have the barrels ported via the EDM process.
(As well as 4 ported pistols)

Ya dam near can't believe the difference. Makes a .308 feel like a .243.

I highly advise this to reduce felt recoil. And it may actually increase the realized accuracy of any powder burning weapon. Cause you will stop flinching and not think about recoil anymore.
It also REALLY helps on the follow up shot. As the weapon doesn't move as much from recoil.
I have yet to find a downside of a properly ported target or hunting rifle.

That is my experience. Yours may be different.

Cheers,
Twystd1

[38super]

Make sure your cutting tool is sharp, slow feed at break thru or you'll burr the bore.

[g0t0]

I wouldn't do this on my own. Just wondering if it was worth the option to do it. I'd definitely get it done professionally.

[aplinker]

Cost-wise, a MB is generally cheaper.

Unless you're starting with a blank you'll have less material to work with on a barrel (because it's been profiled thinner) than a MB.

You're stuck with that brake if you port the barrel.

I'm not sure which would tend toward better accuracy - I'm betting it's a wash with good techniques in both cases, though using a crappy smith would certainly lend itself more to worse results with porting.