I had a .450 Marlin that was ported, WOW! it was loud! I was shocked how loud it was, recoil is relative, as is sound when hunting. When i fire at my target im only focusing on the shot and breathing. I never hear the gun or feel the shot. I missed a 7 point in Alabama at 30 yards, using a .300 Win mag, the deer didnt run, it made a turn and stopped broadside (offering a better shot), i put one right behind the shoulder and it was down. Maybe an isolated case? Perhaps, but, another season i dropped an 8 point with a 3 inch 20 gauge slug, there were about 10 in the herd and only 2 trotted off, i cycled another round and put a 5 point down about 30 feet from the first, AND there were a couple of others that still milled around. If porting works for your needs, do it. Its your rifle and your comfort that you need to be concerned about