Ported Barrels.

[chutethemall]

For a very close range defensive gun, to be poked in someone's eye while grappling, I certainly don't want any blast and sparks anywhere except straight out the muzzle; especially from extremely close retention positions.

I don't want to put my own eye out!

[redhawk4]

When buying pocket handguns I always consider the risk of shooting my own fingers, because my hands are so big my fingers can reach in front of the muzzle on a lot  of models. When buying a Bond Arms recently I noticed when looking at one of the shorter barrel ones that my fingers could stretch beyond the business end. Even with a 3.5" barrel I can hold the grip and touch the barrel end. Obviously that shouldn't happen in normal shooting with the correct grip and common sense, but it's something to be aware of in close contact where things may change. As you rightly point out in a scuffle porting could bring it's own dangers too.

[Warthog]

In a case where someone grabbed my barrel, the ports are sure to get them to let it go, as the bullet kills them.