Barrel porting

[Oldnamvet]

I have been seeing more examples of ported barrels. Sometimes on the top barrel of an O/U and sometimes on the bottom as well. Single barrel guns are also showing up with this "option". So far no one has tried it with a SXS (thanks for small things). I've even seen examples of "home made" porting with the basement drill press. Having fired the guns with and without porting, I can't tell the difference other than the noise. How did this ever get started and why? Growing up I never heard of it. 'Course screw in chokes were not around then either. Any body know the history?

 

[ArmedBear]

Companies like Browning sell things like this "Skeet" gun.

MSRP $2659:

They're the same design, with the same parts, and built the same as this "Field" gun.

MSRP $1836:

Now when you ask, "Where the hell is my 800 extra bucks?" they can point to the holes in the barrel, and say, "Right there." (I figure the little gold line on the receiver accounts for the other $23.)

That's all I can figure, because I've shot them with and without, and the porting does nothing but make them louder for everyone around, and harder to clean. My unported O/U's put 2 shots in the same spot if I pull the trigger fast; proper fit reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump, not porting.

...and I suppose Mossberg ports some of their barrels so that they can say they have some of the same features as a $2500 gun for $2200 less... I don't !@#$ing know, but I won't buy anything with porting if I can help it, even if I have to pay more. I don't want to wear earplugs in the field, and I want my cleaning chores to be quick and easy.