A while ago there was quite a debate on this.
I have a 3 inch ported .357 Rossi, and it was really worrying me, as this is my carry gun and is also the gun that sleeps in my headboard for late night encounters. I eventually went into a gun shop to ask about changing barrels to a 4 inch un-compensated barrel. The guys behind the counter wanted to know why I wanted to spoil the concealability of the weapon, and we discussed it for quite a while.

The one guy then lead me upstairs to their mini range, loaded my gun up for me and turned off the lights. It was too dark for shooting at anything, but I did get a good idea of the degree of muzzle flash, and its affect on my vision.

The flash was interesting as the ports are obviously directed up at an angle. Two jets of red flame shot out to each side, leaving a tunnel down which you are aiming. What was interesting waS, ALTHOUGH IN TOTAL DARKNESS, there was no ghost image (for want of a better word) left after the shot, and I could still see the sights on the gun, although I could not see much down range (I could not see much before I shot). This seems to indicate that my vision was pretty much unaffected. I don't if the powder in the cartridges was a flash retardent type or what.

Also interesting would be some opinion from an expert on eyesight as to the difference in effect of the colour of the flame - is a red flash less likely to blind than a white flame. Gut feel says yeas, but knowledge is limited.

Just thought I would revisit this interesting (possibly life or death) aspect, as it would be interesting to hear of any other experiments that readers have carried out. I also plan to dig out an article on handgun muzzle flash that I will try to make available some how.

Having now had my fears somewhat settled that my handgun wont leave me stumbling around blind should a serious after dark encounter occur, all I have to do is figure how to save my hearing from that aweful muzzle blast. :D

Cheers

Some rounds will flash more than others so if it's a big deal to the shooter shop around till a round works the best. As far as the muzzle blast goes, I feel if you have to shoot someone, I do not think you will hear the blast as things happen pretty fast.

Am not so concerned about hearing the muzzle blast, but am worried about being so deafened by it that assailant number two can slide up behind me undetected.

Cheers

500 Mag Nut is correct about different powders flash more or less than others; the U.S. military uses powders that have coatings to reduce flash signature, so shopping around is best.

As far as reducing your night vision goes, yes, muzzle flash will reduce it, but you should have a good flashlight in any lowlight situation in order to verify the target, as well as possibly blind your opponent, and the white light of the flash will also hurt night vision. Keeping one eye closed when exposed to white light will help in retaining some night vision, although it will reduce peripheral as well. Red lenses help retain night vision, but also reduce the effectiveness of the light in question.

I would be more concerned about muzzle gasses being pointed upwards, especially if you are in close quarters combat with your opponent. If you have to engage at arms length or less, all of those gasses are going to be directed upwards and possibly into your face, which will essentially ruin regular vision, to say nothing of night vision.

As far as hearing goes, it will be affected by any muzzle blast, but especially by a compensated weapon in an enclosed environment. A phenomenon known as auditory exclusion will keep you from being aware of it right away. You will have a ringing in your ears, and your hearing will be affected detrimentally, but as long as you are under the effects of adrenalin you won't notice it. Your hearing will be compromised and proper tactics should be used to compensate for this, e.g. not exposing yourself from cover/concealment until the visual threat assessment is made, or making it to cover/concealment if you're not already there. This is where a good flashlight used sparingly is worth it's weight in gold.

In my opinion, and this is just my opinion mind, compensators have no place on a personal defense/carry weapon. The downside far outweighs the upside, and when your life is at stake you want everything you can going in your favor, especially those things over which you have control.

Any revolver is going to have quite a lot of flash, ported or not, and short barrels don't help. The b/c gap can give a pretty good fireball, especially on full .357 loads.

I've only shot my 2" .357 once in low light (not darkness) and as far as flash goes, it wasn't too bad with the Cor-bon 125gr. loads. Wish it wasn't ported but could nto get it any other way. Anyhow... I'd not sacrifice concealment for a bit less flash.

Noise - not much you can do to reduce with revolvers, again, with the gap it's going to be loud. About the only handgun I have that isn't horrible for noise is a .45 Auto. No gap, and a fairly low-pressure round with a big bore. But it's not nearly as concealable as the snubbie.

My opinion on noise is I doubt the bad guys are disciplined enough, and dedicated enough, to press on once I touch of a couple of rounds. Works both ways. Yeah I'll be deaf.... and alive, hopefully. It is a trade-off, power vs. noise, that's for sure.

Hope this helps.

Hi guys
Thanks for the input
The noise thing does not really concern me all that much.
I wish I could afford a pair of electronic muffs to keep with my handgun on the headboard. - these are ideal for night wear, as they can apparently be used to amplify "normal" sounds (super hearing), but cut out any sharp deafening ones.

Cost is just a bit scary once the rand dollar exchange rate, plus import duties, plus dealer markup have been taken into account - don't know any one heading over there either, so I can't even ask for one to come home in some ones case ;) .

Great as usual to have a bit of discussion

Cheers
Rod

since most shots by civilians, in justifiable self defense, are fired at 6 ft and less, and a great deal of them are fired at arm's length, I'd worry more about the blast from the ports ruining my eyes, or burning the **** out of my side with the flash from the wheelgun's cylinder gap. this flash, with 357 is so bad that it can literally tear holes in a shirt. Such an injury can distract you pretty badly, when you can afford it least. It can make you flinch, when accuracy (for the next shot, at another attacker) means everything. I can do without revolvers or compensators complicating my problems when I'm shooting for blood.