Looking for feedback on the ported model

[ocvandal]

i have narrowed down my search down to the ported snub nosed model but I was unable to find an unbiased review on it.   Can anyone provide first hand feedback on this revolver?

http://northamericanarms.com/firearms/magnums/ported/msc-p.html

[Dinadan]

Ocvandal - You do realize that the ported Magnum 1 1/8' Mini is the same gun as the standard Magnum 1 1/8" Mini? The only difference is the ports. So any concern about any aspect of the gun, other than the ports, can be addressed by researching the 1 1/8" Magnum Mini.

I do not have a 1 1/8" Mini, ported or not, so I have no personal insights about your chosen gun. I do have a 1 5/8" Magnum Mini and a ported 1 5/8" Magnum Mini. Based on my experience shooting those two guns, I do not see any value in the ports other than the cool factor. I could not tell that there is any difference in muzzle jump. The ported gun seemed to have a bit more muzzle blast. So for actual shooting, I think the ports are a negative factor. A very small negative factor, since my 1 5/8' ported Magnum Mini is a very fine gun.

What is you intended purpose with the Mini? Self defense, plinking, display, or fondling?

Oh yes - Welcome to the forum!

[cfsharry]

I would listen to Dinadan's advice, it is real world.
I have owned .44 mags both ported and non. In that caliber porting is advantages. In a .22 with a very short barrel I can not imagine any advantage, that is, unless you like more noise.

[ocvandal]

Thank you for the feedback. My wife shot a friends NAA and now she wants one she can shoot so I get to buy a new toy. I will use it a pocket back up gun and figured the snub nose would fit the bill.  I was curious if the ported barrel would reduce any flip but it appears that is not the case. This is the feedback I was looking for.   

[coppertop]

I agree that the ports on the Minis are for looks and really doesn't make any difference in the handling of the pistol. The pinholes will likely get clogged with powder residue after the first shot and whatever influence they have will be lost.

There is a difference in handling between the 1 1/8th and 1 5/8th barrel lengths on the Magnum pistols. The longer barrel offers a little more stability where the shorter barrel has a very strong muzzle flip.

Personally, I prefer the longer barrel with Magnum rounds and generally keep the shorter barrel fitted with the LR cylinder for better handling.

[OV-1D]

  Those pin holes will spit at ya if not kept clean but like was said they are useless for any practical reason .

[ds10speed]

I bought a ported model because I thought it looked cool. The only thing I noticed was the ports will plug up if I use dirty waxy non-copper clad rounds. I can't compare it to other models since it's the only mini I have so far, but as with many others on this forum, I'm sure that will change soon.

[red14]

Thank you for the feedback. My wife shot a friends NAA and now she wants one she can shoot so I get to buy a new toy. I will use it a pocket back up gun and figured the snub nose would fit the bill.  I was curious if the ported barrel would reduce any flip but it appears that is not the case. This is the feedback I was looking for.

The best way to reduce the flip is the over-sized rubber grips (like the ones on the Black Widow).  Stops 'the flip' for me.

[Dinadan]

ds10speed - that is some nice gear, and gun, that you have!

[OV-1D]

  A very nice accessory package you have there Ds10speed going to have to get some of those .    

[grayelky]

I noticed your post count is at 2 as I type this, and you have 2 posts in this thread.  WELCOME to the forum.

My humble opinion is different than those who posted before me. I have several minis. My daily carry is a 1 5/8 Wasp and/or a 1 1/8 Black Jack, which is ported. My preferred mini for just plinking is a 3" Earl. I can tell there is a slight difference in muzzle flip, and a difference in the muzzle flash pattern, in very dim light. I have not had the occasion to fire the Black Jack (BJ) in full darkness. The reduction in muzzle flip is not enough for me to recommend buying a ported model due to the reduced muzzle flip. The difference in muzzle flash is also not sufficient for me to recommend not buying the ported model due to the increased muzzle flash. The muzzle flash is in 2 parts, through the ports and at the exit of the bullet. I carry only Hornady Critical Defense or Speer Gold Dots for self defense. Both of these rounds have less muzzle flash than the "standard"  22 mag rounds. For my $.02 worth, ports, or the lack of, have zero bearing on the decision to buy or not buy, any particular mini. If we move up to .41 mag, now we have a totally different conversation! ds10speed makes a very valid observation regarding the ports, which is applicable regardless of caliber: avoid lead bullets without a copper jacket, or coating of sorts. The ports will scrape off lead as the bullet passes if this advice is not followed.