I was searching glock enthusiasts', accessory retailers', and smiths' websites and came across some pictures of glocks with ported slides. I don't know what that is for. They looked really cool. I want to have a compensator installed on mine, and I want to have it finished in that "OD green." My questions would be: 1) what advantages (besides looks) does porting the slide offer? 2) are there any drawbacks? 3) does anyone know whether I can simply purchase a ported slide, and if so, where? 4) if not, does anyone know of a smith that provides this service?

I haven't decided to do this. I need info first. I appreciate any help that anyone of you can give me. Websites are especially helpful.

I was searching glock enthusiasts', accessory retailers', and smiths' websites and came across some pictures of glocks with ported slides. I don't know what that is for. They looked really cool. I want to have a compensator installed on mine, and I want to have it finished in that "OD green." My questions would be: 1) what advantages (besides looks) does porting the slide offer? 2) are there any drawbacks? 3) does anyone know whether I can simply purchase a ported slide, and if so, where? 4) if not, does anyone know of a smith that provides this service?

I haven't decided to do this. I need info first. I appreciate any help that anyone of you can give me. Websites are especially helpful.

The barrels were ported untdert the slide cut out...so it worked as a compensator. Had the side benefit of lightening the longer slides, which made them run with regualr strength springs.

I was searching glock enthusiasts', accessory retailers', and smiths' websites and came across some pictures of glocks with ported slides. I don't know what that is for. They looked really cool. I want to have a compensator installed on mine, and I want to have it finished in that "OD green." My questions would be: 1) what advantages (besides looks) does porting the slide offer? 2) are there any drawbacks? 3) does anyone know whether I can simply purchase a ported slide, and if so, where? 4) if not, does anyone know of a smith that provides this service?

I haven't decided to do this. I need info first. I appreciate any help that anyone of you can give me. Websites are especially helpful.

See ribbonstone's post.
The drawback to this sort of thing is when shooting at night (such as at an intruder). The upward venting of flame is theoretically going to blind you for a moment.
Correct me if I'm wrong people, but I think there's a company called Magnaport that'll put integral compensators into any gun you want.