how much do they really help? getting older don't really want to drop to a 20 just yet

IMO the heavier the powder x's shot load the more benefit you get. Look at the 12guage with 3" or 3.5" chambers Mossberg's that are marketed for waterfowl, turkey or slugs in a 500 or 835...notice that the ports are angled off to the side and angled up at about 45*'s to help control the muzzle jump.

Mossy's old 695 bolt action 12 guage slug gun had ports too, even though it weighed 9+ lbs, anyhtig that could help wiht the hevy ammo's muzzle jump and keep the stock's cheel piece off of beating up your face as much as possible.

Lots of Trap guns have ports too, only for the long strings of rounds shot at one time in competition.
Ron

My mossberg 930 is ported. The only difference I can tell is that it is louder than a typical shotgun.

I don't feel they do any good. The concept is solid but not so much on actual use. I wish mine did not have it. It's just harder to clean up the mess outside the ports.

We have 4 ported O/U guns. They are definitely louder for both the shooter and those nearby. As far as aiding muzzle control, I can't say that they do any good.

And like was said above, they're a pain to clean. Buy a sack full of pipe cleaners ......

I had a ported 12ga awhile back, couldn't say it was a big difference from my other shotguns

They look cool, that is about the end of the benefits.

I would never have one ported but I wouldn't pass on one that was ported if I really liked it.

I thought the ports were for less wind resistance when moving the gun side to side.

The probably work better for that than recoil reduction!!

Tits on a boar hog.

Have ports on a couple of shotguns and they seem pretty pointless to me. Just loud.

they help keep some one getting to close to you in a duck blind is all they are good for

Your blinds must be bigger than ours.

Two hunters and a dog is about all we have room for.

I have a Browning 525 Sporting, I'm hoping by not cleaning my barrels, they will completely clog up some day.