Barrel porting on a .40 S&W Springfield XD?

[Zeede]

I noticed that the Springfield Armory XD line includes some 4" barrel guns that have "V10 porting". Does this actually help in pistols? Porting is common now in sporting shotguns, but I think it's a waste of money, given that the pressures are much lower, but I have little experience with pistols and porting.

The most important thing to me is accuracy in defense situations and ranges. 25 yard 2" groups are great and all, but when I am practicing at the range, it's more like 5-10 yards.

So please help me choose. Assuming we're talking about Springfield XDs (to keep some variables constant), chambered in .40 S&W, which should be easier to get hit bad guys with? 5" barrel (and therefore more weight, longer sight radius) or 4" barrel with porting (less muzzle climb from the porting)?

Thanks in advance,

Cameron

 

[possum]

the orted models are great until you shoot from retention postitions, and then it gets a little awkward, the blast form the barrel will get you everytime, that is the only issue that i have seen or experinced with a ported model handgun, they do keep the muzzle down and they do allow for quick follow up targets and such.

but with that said, with training and useage you can do just as good with other guns. yes the ported is a benifit but it is no substitue for proper grip, stance, recoil management.

 

[Zeede]

True, nothing is a substitute for solid skills, but all things equal, I didn't know whether barrel porting (and the porting on that particular model) did anything. It really doesn't do much for sporting shotguns, other than make it annoying loud for bystanders.

Are there other companies that offer ported pistols other than Springfield?

Cameron