I really didnt want to get all involved in this. I was only offering a point of view to someone who requested it. But, since the ball is already rolling down the hill..... Let me ask, have you ever had a flash photo taken ,even in subdued light? Did you see the little blue dots in front of your eyes? Did they take a little while to go away? Is that brighter or more intense than a big bore firearm in the dark? Would it be a little difficult to see an assailant in the dark with those dots before your eyes? Also, it has been my experience that most "nare-do-wells" try to do there dastardly deeds in the cover of the darkest, and most isolated, spot they can find. But thats just my experience, and I am no expert on anything, just opinionated. I have, by the way, received quite a bit of training. I just dont have to mention it every time I submit a post. I do agree that a person should train with the equipment they are going to use, so there reaction is conditioned and comes as natural as possible. We are not all highly trained and experienced professionals and we dont encounter these types of events on a regular basis, so we ( read I ) dont need to complicate the process of reacting by varying the equipment. Keep it as simple as possible, is my rule. Dont want to have to remember to roll my gun 'cause it dark.
Again this is a personal issue and if you like a ported gun and feel comfortable with it, go for it. The porting absolutely does help with recoil and recovery time would be faster if it doesnt bother your eyes. I do have a .44 special that is ported and it really handles well, but it D___ sure puts on a light show in the dark and I choose not to use it in those conditions if at all possible. At this time it has a comfortable home in the top right desk drawer in my office. Makes me feel good just having it there.
Again, J M H O