New model S&W 642

[orchidhunter]

S&W's new 642 PowerPort-Pro Series Revolver, do the ports help with recoil,are they just for looks?

 

[jad0110]

Most people feel that they do tend to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip.

The downside in a defensive firearm is that if you are engaged in very close quarters combat, you may find it necessary to fire with the gun retained close to your body. I often practice firing my 642 from the hip at distances under a few yards. Firing ported gun held close to the body has a high probably of spraying debris and hot gasses into the face of the shooter.

Considerations that each person must weigh, and come to their own conclusions on what works for them best.

 

[DawgFvr]

One must just simply turn/twist the pistol when firing the revolver close in to the body. It's called training. Using low flash powder, e.g., Corbon, there is very little "debris" discharged. I wore a white T-shirt when firing my ported .357...and nary a mark on it.

Get the ported model and never look back. Definitely pay no heed to the sour grapes detractors.

 

[8830]

I had a magnaported 642 years ago and I didn't notice the porting helping at all. I do remember the gases and lead shavings coming through the ports and into my eyes and face. After owning that one I don't see a point in having a ported snubby. They're for close self defense shooting not target or competition paper punching.

 

[orchidhunter]

Thanks to all for there opinons. A old guy that picks up brass at the range said," The ports were for long barrel target revolvers to reduce muzzle flip, and had no place on a revolver of the Centennial design, that could be carried and fired from a coat pocket, there of no use on any snub revolver. Spend your port money on ammo and range time". He is not to fond of the revolver crowd, as they tend to keep their brass. Thanks, orchidhunter

 

[kingpin008]

While I don't quite see the "sour grapes" DawgFvr is talking about - I can't see a viable reason for porting on a snubby. Yes, they might spit gas and/or debris back at you more than a non-ported version would, but given the applications that a snubby is designed for (up close defensive shooting) I'd hardly be worrying about a little hot gas and lead shavings if I were in such a situation.

Long story short - sure, it might reduce some of the recoil, but it's not that bad to begin with. Why spend the extra cash?

 

[Gator]

A old guy that picks up brass at the range said," The ports were for long barrel target revolvers to reduce muzzle flip, and had no place on a revolver of the Centennial design, that could be carried and fired from a coat pocket, there of no use on any snub revolver. Spend your port money on ammo and range time".

He's a wise man!