Magnaport, anyone?

[MS 9x56]

Hmmm 1/3 blue book? You and some others have thrown out this figure more than once but my own observations do not bear this out. Firstly, it appears that most folks on AH cannot distinguish the difference between Mag-Na-Porting and traditional muzzle brakes and there is a distinct difference.

Perhaps you are lumping together Mag-Na-Ported rifles with those with both threaded and non threaded traditional muzzle brakes? In my mind they should not be lumped together, as mentioned previously, there are distinct differences, not just functionally but visually for those who wish to educate themselves.

A traditional KDF style muzzle brake will reduce recoil by 45% or more, but at a cost, significant muzzle blast and earth shattering noise and many purists find them unsightly as well. Contrast that to the Mag-Na-Port, with the distinctly different two trapezoidal ports and two oval ports that aren’t even noticeable to the casual observer.

With Mag-Na-Port, it will only yield approximately 15% recoil reduction on average although I believe the larger the caliber the more felt recoil reduction, hence the reason it is not as popular as traditional muzzle brakes. Where I believe Mag-Na-Port shines is significant reduction in muzzle rise. This has practical applications when a rapid second or third shot is needed, especially on DG. I see this as an asset.

Having owned two Mag-Na-Ported rifles, I conducted a side by side shooting comparison with my Mag-Na-Ported Weatherby Mark V 300 Wby and custom BRNO ZKK-602 458 Lott. The non ported rifles were a Win M70 300 Win Mag, Ruger No.1 300 Win Mag and a CZ 550 416 Rigby. In regard to noise and muzzle blast, there is no meaningful difference.

I conducted the test in my backyard range and I can assure you my wife can tell the difference when I’m shooting my 375 RUM with KDF muzzle brake! I keep the thread protector screwed in now. She cannot distinguish a difference with the other rifles I tested.

To your point that a Mag-Na-Ported rifle is only worth 1/3 of a non Mag-Na-Ported rifle, I assume you base this on casual observation and not statical data which is fine, I also believe you may be basing this primarily an the AH classifieds?

I believe you have a valid point about the reduction in value specifically on the AH classifieds, although I don’t believe it’s only worth 1/3, but I concede there appears to be a bias, a number of purists who detest muzzle brakes but most it seems do not know the difference between Mag-Na-Porting and traditional muzzle brakes.

My observations outside of the AH classifieds on the various online gun auctions and internet gun sales sites to not bear this 1/3 figure out. A custom 416 Weatherby recently sold on Hallowell & Co for 12k and I can assure you it was most likely appropriately priced regardless of the Mag-Na-Porting. Had a I need for a 416 Weatherby, i would be quite pleased with this rifle.

My preference is no Mag-Na-Porting and no Muzzle Brakes but I will absolutely make an exception with Mag-Na-Porting and even a muzzle brakes as long as I can remove and screw in a thread protector. Were I a PH, I could see a benefit with Mag-Na-Porting for faster repeat shots during a charge. If one possesses an heirloom quality gun, sure don’t modify it in any way but a gun is a tool and if a modification improves one’s ability to make hits on an animal, then go for it!

Anyhow, a 15 % or more reduction in recoil without the excessive noise and muzzle blast may be of benefit to some, especially with the reduction in muzzle rise. For the average big bore rifle taken to Africa for DG, I see no drawback. I urge you to reconsider your present assessment of Mag-Na-Porting and move past this bias against it, there is no logical reason for it.

Hallowell & Co.https://hallowellco.comKeith Hepler Custom Dakota

What was the decibel measurement difference between mag sport and muzzle break per caliber? I can see a benefit to less muzzle rise. I have a feeling who has his 338 mana ported and I will not got to a range with him shooting it if there is a roof overhead even with ear plugs and ear muffs.

 

[krish]

I’m fairly certain @krish bought the rifle you used in your example. There was a .416 for sale at the same time. They were on GI for a looooong time. Both were very nice, but I cannot recall if the .416 was ported. I do remember both were for sale for extended periods.

I dont know what rifle you are talkkng about.
Krish

 

[BJH65]

I wouldn't own for personal use nor try to sell for profit a weatherby of any sort. If it was an early mauser actioned one without magnaport, I'd refer it to a friend on AH that collects them. A weatherby wasn't a fine gun when it was made nor is it a fine gun when it is sold. New money with no expertise buys weatherbys and rimless double rifles, then they try to resell them 6 months later on this forum when they realize they own abominations. Either they lose 90% or screw over the next guy with one second less experience than they have.

I try to do no harm and pass no weapon on to anyone that isn't suitable for myself or my own children. If its inferior, I destroy it rather than perpetuate the f-u cycle.

Apologies if I seem harsh, I've thrown away 5-figures of guns based on what I've learned rather than perpetuating the cycle of evil onto my fellow man.

No worries, I would also describe you as a purist in your tastes in fine rifles based on your postings and I mean no offense by that and your overall taste in rifles are of a much higher quality than my own.

Oh, the Mag-Na-Ported custom rifle that recently sold on Hallowell & Co was a 416 Weatherby built on a Dakota 76 action and perhaps a beneficial feature for that round. I guess as I near 60 years of age, I’m less concerned about resale value and more concerned about usability. Of course it’s nice to get maximum value when selling ones guns, I recently sold 23 guns but will apply most of those proceeds for our next hunt in Africa.

I’m down to one Mag-Na-Ported 458 Lott and a two rifles with threaded muzzle brakes but I don’t think my heirs will be greatly affected by that when I’m gone and they go to auction.

 

[RR 314]

I dont know what rifle you are talkkng about.
Krish

It is mentioned in the quoted text. Keith Hepler .460 Wby.

 

[BJH65]

I dont know what rifle you are talkkng about.
Krish

Hello my friend, we were referring to this custom 416 Weatherby built on a Dakota 76 action that has a Mag-Ma-Ported barrel, recently sold for 12k. Please note the Mag-Na-Porting, it’s not very noticeable.

Keith Hepler Custom Dakota

 

[RR 314]

Hello my friend, we were referring to this custom 416 Weatherby built on a Dakota 76 action that has a Mag-Ma-Ported barrel, recently sold for 12k. Please note the Mag-Na-Porting, it’s not very noticeable.

Keith Hepler Custom Dakota

I had my Weatherbys confused. I thought the link was to the 460 Weatherby. That is the one Krish bought. I think it was the twin by Hepler .416 W.

 

[BJH65]

What was the decibel measurement difference between mag sport and muzzle break per caliber? I can see a benefit to less muzzle rise. I have a feeling who has his 338 mana ported and I will not got to a range with him shooting it if there is a roof overhead even with ear plugs and ear muffs.

Just my wife’s observations and my own. Even wearing hearing protection one can make observations regarding muzzle blast and noise. I do have a couple rifles with traditional muzzle brakes, a distinct and notable difference even wearing hearing protection, when shooting those rifles when comparing with Mag-Na-Port. My wife’s hearing observations were from a distance, but you have not done a side by side comparison like I have, have you? Nor will anyone purchase the thousands in equipment necessary to do a scientific study of the measurable decibel levels except perhaps Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has the ability.

Noted gun writer, the late Ed Matunas, who also had a good technical background in ballistics also came to the same conclusion, there wasn’t enough of a discernible difference with Mag-Na-Porting to preclude its use for DG and favored Mag-Na-Porting on some of his big bore rifles, especially with the reduced muzzle rise for African DG but eschewed traditional muzzle brakes due to the excessive noise and muzzle blast.

To put it in the simplest terms: if you had two identical rifles, one with Mag-Na-Port and one without, and shot both at a game animal without hearing protection, one will harm your hearing no more than the other. I have no issue shooting a Mag-Na-Ported rifle without hearing protection at game but will absolutely not with a traditional muzzle brake like a KDF.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Well lots of back and forth, resale to me is a non issue, dont sell my rifles, just add more. I have a Sako in 450 Rigby in the mail coming back after it was mag-na-ported. I will report my findings after I shoot it.

 

[krish]

I had my Weatherbys confused. I thought the link was to the 460 Weatherby. That is the one Krish bought. I think it was the twin by Hepler .416 W.

Yes i did get the 460 wby. Not from the source you are mentioning. It was listed at the same time by different people.
Krish

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I wouldn't own for personal use nor try to sell for profit a weatherby of any sort. If it was an early mauser actioned one without magnaport, I'd refer it to a friend on AH that collects them. A weatherby wasn't a fine gun when it was made nor is it a fine gun when it is sold. New money with no expertise buys weatherbys and rimless double rifles, then they try to resell them 6 months later on this forum when they realize they own abominations. Either they lose 90% or screw over the next guy with one second less experience than they have.

I try to do no harm and pass no weapon on to anyone that isn't suitable for myself or my own children. If its inferior, I destroy it rather than perpetuate the f-u cycle.

Apologies if I seem harsh, I've thrown away 5-figures of guns based on what I've learned rather than perpetuating the cycle of evil onto my fellow man.

Really? Oh, please. While I would never Mag-na-port a fine DG collectable rifle any more than I would refinish or reblue it, I would not consider a basic working rifle to be damaged by it. But I'll make you a deal: you find a CRF M 70, CZ 550, Ruger 77 or Mark X in .375 or 9.3x62 that has been Mag-na-port ed you can buy it for 1/3 and I'll buy it for 1/2 of the market value and you can keep the difference.

I don't expect anyone will take that offer.

 

[Sarg]

Ok I found the A&N .450NE Double with the porting - Warning this could be Upsetting to some viewers !!!

I do think the value would be heavyly effected on this one but I’d be pleased to own it & shed a tear each time I shot it !

 

[MS 9x56]

Ok I found the A&N .450NE Double with the porting - Warning this could be Upsetting to some viewers !!!

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I do think the value would be heavyly effected on this one but I’d be pleased to own it & shed a tear each time I shot it !


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My eyes, my eyes their burning

 

[rookhawk]

Really? Oh, please. While I would never Mag-na-port a fine DG collectable rifle any more than I would refinish or reblue it, I would not consider a basic working rifle to be damaged by it. But I'll make you a deal: you find a CRF M 70, CZ 550, Ruger 77 or Mark X in .375 or 9.3x62 that has been Mag-na-port ed you can buy it for 1/3 and I'll buy it for 1/2 of the market value and you can keep the difference.

I don't expect anyone will take that offer.

You’re giving examples of $1800 rifles. I’m suggesting they are worth 1/3rd, or $600. You’re saying I should find them for you and if they check out to your liking, you’ll give me $300 for my aggravation.

Your straw man hypothesis is that nobody will take that deal because the guns aren’t worth that little. My counter-hypothesis is I’m not interested in pointing these out to you in back and forths for a hypothetical $300 payday. There would be an excuse wrong caliber, wrong comb, don’t like the drill/tap for sights, it’s not the right condition, etc, etc.

There’s a nice Dakota for sale online for $6000ish in 9.3x62. The engraving alone is worth that and if not for the muzzle brake, it would be worth more than double. If you like ruined guns, feel free to check that one out.

 

[BJH65]

There’s a nice Dakota for sale online for $6000ish in 9.3x62. The engraving alone is worth that and if not for the muzzle brake, it would be worth more than double. If you like ruined guns, feel free to check that one out.

I believe you are referring to this rifle:

STUNNING --DAKOTA ARMS --CUSTOM RIFLE-SABATTI ENGRAVED-9.3x62 -TALLEY 30MM QD RINGS for sale

STUNNING --DAKOTA ARMS --CUSTOM RIFLE-SABATTI ENGRAVED-9.3x62 -TALLEY 30MM QD RINGS for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

IT IS NOT MAG-NA-PORTED. It has a traditional KDF style muzzle brake and appears to be threaded. This thread is in regard to Mag-Na-Port which is not the same. Herein lies the problem, there are a number of AH members who either cannot distinguish the difference or who don’t care too, they simply lump them into the same category of “muzzle brakes, ports, etc.” Ignorance reigns supreme.

As I listed and mentioned earlier, this custom Mag-Na-Ported Keith Hepler Dakota 416 Weatherby recently sold for 12k on Hallowell & Co. If anything, it was marked down due to the Weatherby chambering. Based on your 1/3 standard it is a 36k rifle… um no, it was appropriately priced at 12k. We each have our own tastes and I find the Mag-Na-Porting to not be that noticeable and to many it is not a problem aesthetically. To me and others it serves a valid purpose.

 

[MS 9x56]

As with all things gun related personal preferences are just that, personal. To each his own. Use and enjoy, as it is nobody else’s business.

 

[MS 9x56]

I believe you are referring to this rifle:

STUNNING --DAKOTA ARMS --CUSTOM RIFLE-SABATTI ENGRAVED-9.3x62 -TALLEY 30MM QD RINGS for sale

STUNNING --DAKOTA ARMS --CUSTOM RIFLE-SABATTI ENGRAVED-9.3x62 -TALLEY 30MM QD RINGS for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

IT IS NOT MAG-NA-PORTED. It has a traditional KDF style muzzle brake and appears to be threaded. This thread is in regard to Mag-Na-Port which is not the same. Herein lies the problem, there are a number of AH members who either cannot distinguish the difference or who don’t care too, they simply lump them into the same category of “muzzle brakes, ports, etc.” Ignorance reigns supreme.

As I listed and mentioned earlier, this custom Mag-Na-Ported Keith Hepler Dakota 416 Weatherby recently sold for 12k on Hallowell & Co. If anything, it was marked down due to the Weatherby chambering. Based on your 1/3 standard it is a 36k rifle… um no, it was appropriately priced at 12k. We each have our own tastes and I find the Mag-Na-Porting to not be that noticeable and to many it is not a problem aesthetically. To me and others it serves a valid purpose.
View attachment 662806
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View attachment 662811

Very nice lion and Buffalo. Congratulations.

 

[rookhawk]

IT IS NOT MAG-NA-PORTED. It has a traditional KDF style muzzle brake and appears to be threaded. This thread is in regard to Mag-Na-Port which is not the same. Herein lies the problem, there are a number of AH members who either cannot distinguish the difference or who don’t care too, they simply lump them into the same category of “muzzle brakes, ports, etc.” Ignorance reigns supreme.

I understand completely the difference between compensators, suppressors/moderators, porting, muzzlebrakes, and magnaporting (TM) and other EDM/Milling of the barrels. We're not speaking past each other.

I respectfully disagree on two fronts: 1.) The lost value and condition of the weapon, and 2.) The treatment of a symptom by getting any of these hole-drilling options rather than treating the root causes of recoil aversion in the shooter.

It's not a big issue for me because if I'm wrong, it makes no matter because I'm not buying guns with holes drilled in them and I'm managing recoil with other methods including stock fit, load development, gun weight, and shooting posture. On the other hand, if someone has invested large sums into getting holes drilled in their guns they probably are unlikely to admit they destroyed a lot of value by doing the most harm to the gun in order to address recoil rather than the least harm. (adjusting cast, DAH/DAC, pad type, shooting stance, powder type, etc.)

I'll let everyone get back to Magnaporting because people want to discuss getting it done. I've offered my opinion and don't need to beat a dead horse, everyone else gets their opinions too.

 

[BJH65]

Very nice lion and Buffalo. Congratulations.

Thanks but that isn’t me, I wish I could take free range lion! The photo is of the original owner of the Keith Hepler Custom Dakota 416 Weatherby Magnum (Mag-Na-Ported) that sold recently through Hallowell & Co. He certainly put it to good use. I’m hopeful I can add lion to our 2026 buffalo hunt however. I will be using 458 Lott, yes Mag-Na-Ported!

 

[Doug Hamilton]

You’re giving examples of $1800 rifles. I’m suggesting they are worth 1/3rd, or $600. You’re saying I should find them for you and if they check out to your liking, you’ll give me $300 for my aggravation.

Your straw man hypothesis is that nobody will take that deal because the guns aren’t worth that little. My counter-hypothesis is I’m not interested in pointing these out to you in back and forths for a hypothetical $300 payday. There would be an excuse wrong caliber, wrong comb, don’t like the drill/tap for sights, it’s not the right condition, etc, etc.

There’s a nice Dakota for sale online for $6000ish in 9.3x62. The engraving alone is worth that and if not for the muzzle brake, it would be worth more than double. If you like ruined guns, feel free to check that one out.

And my point was nobody is going to sell an $1800 gun for $600 or even $900 just because it was Mag-na-ported. The Dakota that you mentioned would be one that I wouldn't deface with porting either, but my point still stands.

 

[375Ruger416]

In general, I prefer synthetic, composite or laminate wood stocks over wood and even chassis. Which is why I bought a Blaser R8 professional instead of a wood stock or a Kimber Caprivi that I was deeply tempted by.

However, that Parkwest in 416 Weatherby is a damn fine looking rifle and I would be delighted to own one like it, magnaported or not. I would, however, prefer it in 416 Rigby or Remington for ammo availability and less recoil lol. That elephant engraving in particular on the floor plate is lovely.

I think the market for fine wood stocked rifles may have peaked; it seems fewer hunters and rifle enthusiasts prefer them. Or, like me, they are reluctant to risk wear and tear on what is, after all, a tool however beautiful.