For those people who mention porting and shooting from retention, I wonder how the barrel/cylinder gap is handled. The porting is not an issue for me because I cant the revolver a bit to the outside. I have, however, scorched myself with the barrel/cylinder gap.
I also find that I prefer heavier loads with the ported SP-101s. For the .357 Magnum, the 158-grain JHP is my choice with the 180-grain loads a close second. The 124-grain and 110-grain loads are not my cup of tea.
The one big negative of porting for me is the sound, especially in an enclosed area like a vehicle. The concussion from a hefty .357 Magnum in a small space is disconcerting to say the least. I usually practice outdoors, so that may explain why the porting does not bother me.