PORTING

Which firearms are most commonly ported? Our most common request is for porting on virtually every model of the the Glock.  It might have something to do with the great popularity of this firearm and the fact it comes in many high powered models such as the forty, 357 SIG and the ten. Plus it comes in a variety of smaller size compact models.  So, combine a smaller gun with a high powered round and you start to think porting. Many of the competition Colts we build are compensated so in a sense they too are ported.

The principle is simple. The released gases have a chance to exit in stages rather than when the bullet leaves the barrel all at once.  With the deflection aimed upwards it offsets the muzzle rise common with high powered rounds.
The picture says it all.  This particular weapon has had many rounds through it and cleanup involves nothing more than a Q-tip... It does really tame the 40 SW. and you really need it with the 357 SIG / 10mm.

 

Porting Firearms, and night vision: A couple of years ago Dick Metcalf did an article in “Shooting Times” about the night vision effects of Porter handguns.  After actual testing with a stop watch, his conclusion was that there is virtually no difference in the time lapse of firing ported, or un-ported concealable firearms as it relates to loss of night vision from the flash.  What he did find was a better capability to put multiple shots on target with Porter firearms after the first shot and subsequent loss of night vision from both un-ported and ported small handguns.  

Legalities: Another question we are asked is possible legal claims brought against an individual based on the ridiculous claim of building a “Better Killing Machine”.  This accusation is ridiculous.  FBI studies of after action reports show that most individuals shoot multiple rounds in armed encounters whether police officers, or civilians.  Keeping this in mind, if you have to use your firearm to defend your life, or another person’s life, the most important thing is to be able to keep all your shots on the intended target.  Porting makes this easier to accomplish. Remember, you will be held accountable for every round you fire.  It will not make any difference to the State’s Attorney, or Civil Attorney representing an innocent bystander who caught a stray round while you were legitimately defending your life. 

 

Distortion of sight picture is another question we are asked on ported weapons. Any short barreled handgun will deposit residue from the cartridge on the sight due to the presence of unburned powder.  We have designed our porting systems to vent the gas in a manner that minimizes any adverse effect on front sights.

Lastly, clients are concerned about velocity loss from porting.  Our testing on Glock pistols showed an average loss of only 8 percent.  When you consider the reasonable price we charge for this service, less than most night sights cost without installation charges, this is one of the best bargains in firearms modification. Recoil reduction varies by caliber, bullet dimension, weight of the firearm and bullet weight.  Our in-house experience shows Glock 23’s, a mid-size pistol and cartridge combination having about a ½” of muzzle rise after porting.  45 cal pistols fall in the same range.  38 cal (9mm) pistols shoot almost flat.