I have a 60 PRO--
which S&W sold me at a reduced price after I blew up my 60. That upgrade was a good value--but I only paid $14.00 extra. I do NOT care for the 60 Pro barrel profile, but it did have a better trigger, 'better' grips, and a better finish. The googling showed 642-442 Pro priced 'retail' at about $735.00 from Lipseys, and I think I caught a glimpse of a sell price somewhere for under $600--like maybe $550 plus shipping. But, with the standard aluminum frame, is it worth it--the anodized finish is worth something, given the continuing problems with the standard airweight finishes--but no better strength. As you may recall from my previous posts, I do consider the scandium frame to be worth a premium, if not a 357 premium.
But--about that ported barrel: Pocket carry or not, I no longer find ported barrels appealing anywhere but on race guns. IMO--and I stress that it's my opinion--the advantages of the port for reducing muzzle flip in a SD gun--and particulary an 'up close and personal' revolver--are more than outweighed by the possiblity of disadvantages because of the diverted blast. IOW, I may not be shooting in any sort of conventional two-handed / outstretched-arm stance, and in fact it may be close to my body.
In my own recent incident my 360 was about six inches off my chest, breast high, and pointed left, at the car window. I'll bet the muzzle blast on a ported gun would've trimmed my moustache, and then some.
Then there is the matter of relative effectiveness. For a 357, I have no argument--but I know of few people who shoot high-pressure 357 rounds from a lightweight. On a 38 Special, the lower pressure spec suggests it will not help a lot, even in a lighweight.
I'd rather put the extra money (re the ported barrel) into practice. For others, who will shoot and carry more casually, a port may make up for less conditioning, help on recovery as well--but still offer a potential hazard for the shooter.
Jim H.