Port a 44mag - 7 1/2" ?

[mray]

I've FINALLY hidden enough money from my wife to get a FA 44 MAG.  I currently have a Ruger hunter in 44 mag. (with a 7 1/2" not ported).  I'm not super recoil sensitive, but I enjoy shooting a little more with guns that kick a little less.  So what should I do?  What's the down side to porting, besides a little speed and a little more money? 

Or am I just being a woss.  :+)

Thanks

mray

[SLAVAGE]

well first off.. she has a FA and you got a ruger...
your gona be crying lol
i would get the thing ported for the few extra $$ its worth it..

[22popnsplat]

If your not recoil shy why port ? Do you enjoy shooting next to a ported gun ?

[Ken ONeill]

I don't find it necessary to port a .44 Mag., and would not recommend doing it.

[Lloyd Smale]

id say no especially if its for your wife. the increase in muzzle blast will no doubt bother her more then the recoil. If shes recoil shy load down some ammo to a level she can handle or buy some 44 specials for her to shoot. If your conserned about shooting 44 specials in your mag clyinder for a two hundred bucks more then the price of porting you can just buy the gun with two 44 mag cylinders and mark and use one just for specials.

[mray]

Thanks for the advice.  You guys talked me out of it.

BTW - the gun is for me, not my wife.  I'm just hiding the money from her. 

[Broom Rider]

I have a 7.5" and I had it ported, I don't think it makes much difference, ditto on the recessed crown. I don't notice any more muzzle blast from it but that's probably just me.
If I was doing it again, I'd probably still get it ported but skip the recessed crown. Great gun either way.
With the porting it does leave residue on the sides of the front sight base but it cleans up easily.
Either way you go there's not really any wrong answer.

[rimfire]

I know you sound like you made your decision, but I will add anyway that I have heard many people say they wish they had not ported their handguns due to noise issues.  I hate porting personally, and I wear earplugs in the woods even.

I think in the 44 you can load it down for practice and up for hunting and avoid the porting. 

Enjoy your FA no matter the configuration.  I love my M83 44 mag 7.5"...sans porting!  It shoots way better than I can.

[WL44]

Broom Rider, I'd go the other way around! I suppose that's why there are choices.

The muzzle blast and noise is not worth it IMO, particularly not in a 44 Mag. I've had my ears ring for a few hours after just a couple of shots in the bush out hunting.