My mossberg 500 was ported. I didn't think it was that loud. It was loud, but not like a high powered rifle with a brake. I think my new slug gun is just as loud to me, maybe because of the shorter barrel?

On my pump the porting didn't so much reduce recoil as it prevented muzzle flip. It did a pretty good job of that. I've never shot one of the bolt action slug guns by mossberg though.

And maybe I'm half deaf from working around jets and being in factories most of my adult life.

Paul