Ported or Compensated

[RED_beard92]

I am looking into getting a Smith and Wesson 500. I will be getting it in 8 3/8 inch barrel, and am wondering if I should get the ported barrel or the compensated barrel. I just don't have that much experience with a compensated barrel, I have one .357 that's ported and one that's not and in my personal opinion its a softer recoil is in the ported gun. Every thread I have looked at only smaller calibers (9 millimeter or 45 acp.) are compensated. In a BIG gun like the 500 (which would only be used for hunting) would I want, the compensated or ported barrel, and what is your reasoning behind your answer?

 

[JD0x0]

I was under the impression that a ported barrel is a 'compensator' which is built into the barrel as opposed to attached to the end via threads. I'm sure someone else could correct me if I'm wrong, but they essentially do the same thing. They direct gases in a way so that they 'compensate' for the muzzle rising by pushing the gasses in the opposite direction that the muzzle is 'jumping.'
There may be some advantage to a ported barrel, or maybe not. I've heard claims of increased muzzle velocity with good ports. Maybe it's partly for looks, too. I do know that the ports can be a big PITA to clean on certain guns, and that I would prefer to have a removable/interchangeable compensator/brake, if it were me.

in my personal opinion its a softer recoil is in the ported gun

You didn't mention whether your other barrel has a compensator. I'm guessing that it doesn't which explains why your ported barrel has a softer recoil. If you compared the ported barrel, with a barrel that has an attached brake, the difference would likely be negligible. Although you could potentially add a heavier brake, on a threaded barrel, which would help to further 'soften' recoil, and could potentially, reduce the recoil more than a ported barrel, which would not only be lighter, from that lack of a muzzle attachment, but the ports would reduce weight over a non-ported barrel. A heavier gun will not only have less 'rise' (which is what ports/brakes/compensators control) but also the 'push' backwards will be reduced, as weight increases.

 

[Viper225]

The advantage of the compensator version that screws off is that you can install a non-compensated replacement for it to shoot lead bullets.

Seems like ported/compensated barrels and Lead Bullets are not a good combination from what I read.

I have a pair of 480 Ruger Super Red Hawks, and I have never fired a jacketed bullet in either of them.

IF I came up with just the right 500 X Frame, (I like the version with the scope mount made on the barrel) it would have to be one I could shoot cast lead bullets in. If I were to load for a 500 S&W I would be turning the suds down to where I could stand to shoot it without a compensator anyway. Something along the lines of a 440 Gas Check bullet at around 1,000 - 1.200 fps would probably do the trick for me.

I like large diameter bullets for hunting, but Full House 500 S&W has way more gusto than I need for whitetail deer.

Just my 2 cents.

Bob

 

[Sevens]

I will admit up front that I have not followed what Smith & Wesson is currently offering, but I do know that the generation of .500 Magnum revolvers they off now are a bit different than the first generation they debuted, and it's because of the comp on the end.

The recent ones (but current--? Not sure!) have a swappable compensator that is meant for jacketed bullets and there is an accessory comp included and sits in the box that you are supposed to use for lead slugs. It's also ported, but only on the top and not at all on the sides. The jacketed one (IIRC) sits about flush with the end of the barrel while the lead one does seem to protrude a bit. They are anchored in place with a slick allen-head screw that works well and is designed to not be a problem.

Bottom line? If you are buying the Smith & Wesson revolver, I'm not sure that you have a choice to make -- I think both parts are included so your shopping decisions are easier than you might think. (but again... not sure exactly what they are currently offering)

 

[buck460XVR]

My thoughts were always that a ported barrel had their ports in a particular direction(usually up or back) to prevent travel of the barrel/gun in that direction. Thus reducing muzzle flip, but not always reducing recoil. Because the ports are in the barrel itself, they can reduce muzzle velocity. Compensators are an extension of the barrel, may or may not be removable/changeable and can either be directional like ports or can be non-directional. Non-directional Comps tend to reduce recoil the most because they allow the most gases to escape behind the bullet. They are generally used on longer piped front heavy guns because the reduction of muzzle flip is not the primary goal. Both types of comps generally have more holes and the holes are larger than directional ports just cut in the barrel. Some claim that since comps are an extension of the barrel, they do not reduce velocity as much as ports cut in the barrel itself. Me....I dunno. The Big X-Frames depending on model can have either the directional and changeable comps or the permanent non-directional comp. I believe they only offer one model anymore that is considered ported.