Magnaport on Colt Defender??????

[RiskPro]

Magnaport....Godd or Bad Idea to reduce recoil?

I've read this can impair low light vision and produces more sound. Some posts also say there is no reduction in recoil or muzzle flip. I emailed Magna port and they said it would make a 20 to 30% reduction.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[Auto Mag]

I had my Colt Delta Elite Mag-Na-Ported back in 1989 and I personally will say that it did reduce the felt recoil a little bit!! When shooting in a low light situation it does put out a very noticeable muzzle flash that could temporarily "blind" you in a defensive situation!!! It also puts a lot of powder residue on the barrel and slide that can be tough to remove.

[MSgt Dotson]

The ports would reduce flip somewhat, moreso with the lighter/faster JHP bullets I'd expect....

Unfortunately, a 26 ounce alloy pistol bucks a tad, but, it's still not too bad with two hands, and it stops hurting once the shooting stops. The ports would not be my first choice for a pistol that may be fired when held close to your own ribcage from a retention position, unless you are positive you will remember to cant the pistol 45 degrees or so to the side to avoid upward muzzle blast gasses.

My verdict: pass on the ports!

[RiskPro]

Would you do it again? or do the cons outweigh the pro in your opinion?

[RiskPro]

Msgt -

Thanks for the advice as always. Very good points.

[LtlBear]

I would assume the Defender is a carry gun. Ports make no sense to me on a carry gun. Get a grip and man up. They don't kick that bad. Return to POA may be a tad longer, but that's a 3" gun for you.

[Happy G]

You could always magna-port it, and get a solid barrel for carry.

[nmgonzo]

Leave it alone

[GT40DOC]

I own a number of big bore weapons that were either ported at the factory, or sent to Magna Port for their magic. Obviously, I like to shoot ported guns, and the "night thing" has not been a problem(only tried it twice though).

[Triggerbender]

I live just up the road from Magna Port and have many a weapon thru their doors.

Just a note, the shorter the barrel the less leverage the gas port has on muzzle flip. The longer the barrel to a POINT the better porting works. Also depends on what cartridge you are trying to tame, works better on higher pressure rds. that produce alot of gas, IMHO a 45acp does not qualify.

It's kind of like using a cheater bar on a wrench vs. the wrench alone.

[RiskPro]

For now I'm going to sit tight based on all the thoughts.

The issue is that I like to shoot 300 to 500 rounds every time I visit the range.

So, I'm not concerned with recoil in a self-defense situation.

I just got some 185gr for the range and plan to carry at that or lower. Such as the Corbon or Federal Low Recoils.

Maybe a heavier Wolff Spring Pack to experiment with.

Will report back this weekend after I burn off a few hundred 185s....

Thanks

[MEH92]

Ports have drawbacks on fighting handguns. I think the drawbacks outweigh the slight benefit in recoil reduction.

For the last 9 years I have been required to carry a Glock 22C on duty and have seen 1st hand what these drawbacks are. The ports blow gas and flash upward towards the shooter's face, particularly in CQB-retention techniques. They are also nosier than non-ported guns, although that's a minor issue IMHO.

I would leave them off a fighting handgun.

[RiskPro]

Not going to M-Port based on feedback re strategic comments from members and I fired the 185gr rounds and the diff 4 me is night and day. Truly could shoot 500 rnd sessions without signficant stress fatigue.

No need to think of magnaport, heavier springs, etc.

Practicing with these and the new Fed or Hornady low recoil ammo should fit the bill.