Suppressor covers are a game changer for safety, performance, and equipment protection. But they’re not just an add-on. They’re an important piece of gear that makes sure your shooting is effective and enjoyable.
Understanding Suppressor Covers
When sending round after round downrange, the last thing you need is heat mirage obstructing your view or burning yourself on a hot suppressor. That’s where these covers come in.
A suppressor cover is designed to shield your suppressor from the intense heat generated during shooting to protect you and your gear.
Benefits of a Suppressor Cover
- Heat management: If you’ve ever been in the middle of a shooting session and felt the heat pouring off your suppressor, you know it’s not something to ignore. Suppressor covers play a role in managing this heat.
- Protection for your equipment: Covers provide a layer of defense to shield your suppressor from bumps, scratches, and the general wear and tear that comes with active use.
- Improved safety: Suppressors get extremely hot, and that’s a safety hazard for you and anyone around you. A suppressor cover lessens the risk of burns and makes your shooting safer.
- Reduced mirage: When a suppressor gets hot, it creates a mirage effect that distorts your view and makes it hard to stay on target. A suppressor cover reduces that heat haze for a clearer sight picture.
Read Why You Need a Suppressor Cover for more about the benefits.
Types of Suppressor Covers
Suppressor covers come in a range of materials and designs to match different shooting needs.
Materials
Common options include heat-resistant fabrics like Kevlar, Nomex, fiberglass, silicone-based materials, and Cordura. Each offers different advantages, from lightweight flexibility to superior heat resistance.
Check out Comparing the Best Materials for Suppressor Covers for a deeper dive into cover materials.
Designs
The suppressor cover’s design affects how a cover performs in real-world situations.
High-Temperature Resistant
A high-temperature-resistant cover is essential for rapid-fire shooters, high-caliber rifle users, and shorter barrel rifles (SBR). These covers are built with the toughest materials to withstand extreme conditions.
For example, our HTP Suppressor Cover is designed for these high-heat situations so your suppressor stays cool while you focus on your target.
Lightweight
Lightweight covers are ideal for minimizing bulk without sacrificing heat protection.
Our Baby Python Suppressor Cover offers a compact, lightweight solution that provides solid heat protection for rimfire suppressors.
Versatility
Sometimes, you need a suppressor cover that can handle a little bit of everything, and all-purpose covers strike a balance between heat management, weight, and flexibility.
Our Python Suppressor Cover and Metal Python Suppressor Cover are great versatile choices. They provide effective heat resistance with a flexible build, making them suitable for everything from range sessions to tactical situations.
Custom Fit
Custom-fit covers are the solution if you need a suppressor cover that offers a snug, personalized fit with easy adjustability. These covers are ideal for those who switch setups or need a more tailored approach.
For instance, our Corset Suppressor Cover is a lace-up design that allows you to adjust the fit to prevent the cover from slipping forward.
How to Choose the Right Suppressor Cover
Picking a suppressor cover isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Your choice should be based on your shooting needs and setup.
Shooting Needs
Your shooting style, caliber, and barrel length are the foundational factors that determine the best suppressor cover for you.
- Shooting style: Think about how you’ll be using your firearm. Are you moving quickly in close-quarter tactical operations, taking precise shots in long-range shooting, or competing in events that demand a mix of speed and accuracy?
- Caliber and barrel length: Your firearm’s caliber and barrel length play a big role in how much heat your suppressor generates. Shorter barrels heat up faster because more powder burns inside the suppressor, while higher calibers generate more overall heat. Keep these factors in mind when choosing a cover that will keep up with your heat demands.
Compatibility
This isn’t just about covering the suppressor. It’s about making sure nothing gets in the way of performance. Ports, QD attachments, and muzzle brakes need to remain uncovered. Blocking these features can lead to malfunctions or even damage the cover itself.
Additionally, think about the fit of your suppressor cover. To get your suppressor cover sizing right, it’s important to measure your suppressor’s length and diameter to find a cover that fits your suppressor snuggly.
Check out our sizing guide to find the perfect fit.
Color Selection
Choosing the right suppressor cover isn’t only about functionality. Style matters too, especially when it comes to blending in with your environment or matching your gear.
However, the material you choose impacts your color options since some materials take dyes more easily than others. For instance, our Python Suppressor Covers are made with Cordura and offer 13 color options, whereas our Corest Suppressor Cover is made with Kevlar and Nomex and only offers two color options.
- Kevlar: If you opt for Kevlar due to its high heat resistance, your color options will be limited since it doesn’t take dyes easily.
- Cordura: This material offers a much wider selection of colors and patterns. Whether you want a tactical camo pattern, a solid color that matches your gear, or something unique, Cordura allows you to customize your setup.
- Fiberglass: Color selection is often basic since fiberglass suppressor covers focus on performance rather than aesthetics.
- Nomex: This material fabric also tends to have limited color options that are usually more functional and muted.
Durability
If your gear will face rugged environments or frequent, heavy use, different materials will offer different levels of resilience.
- Kevlar stands out when it comes to strength and heat resistance.
- Cordura provides great durability while maintaining flexibility.
- Fiberglass is designed for extreme heat resistance and is particularly effective in managing mirage during long-range shooting.
- Nomex offers a mix of heat resistance and durability.
When considering durability, think about how often you’ll be using your suppressor cover and under what conditions. For extreme durability and heavy use, Kevlar and Nomex are excellent options. Cordura balances resilience with customization, while fiberglass provides specialized performance for heat management during precision shooting.
For more information, read Comparing the Best Materials for Suppressor Covers.
Maintenance and Care of Suppressor Covers
It’s important to take care of your suppressor cover to make sure it serves you well for the long haul.
Cleaning Guidelines
How often you clean your suppressor cover depends on how frequently you shoot. If you’re heading to the range or out on tactical missions regularly, it’s a good idea to clean your cover after every few uses. For casual shooters, a monthly check-up and cleaning should do the trick.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your cover. However, here is a general method for cleaning:
- Prepare cleaning solution: Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap* that won’t be too harsh on the material.
- Use a soft cloth: Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water. The cloth will help prevent scratching or damaging the cover during cleaning.
- Gently scrub: Gently scrub away any dirt, residue, or debris that may have accumulated on the cover. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to gather more grime.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the cover with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure all of the cleaning solution is washed off to prevent buildup.
- Dry completely: If your cover has built-in heat-resistant padding, take extra care to make sure it dries thoroughly. Allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Damp padding will affect comfort and performance, so be sure it’s completely dry before using it.
(*Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals since these will degrade the heat-resistant materials over time.)
Storage
- Avoid extreme conditions: Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods since UV exposure will weaken certain materials. Similarly, avoid damp or humid environments that could lead to mildew or material breakdown.
- Store cover flat or rolled loosely: If your suppressor cover has any structured padding or heat-resistant inserts, it’s important to store it correctly. Lay it flat or roll it loosely to avoid creasing or damaging the internal components. Tight rolls can lead to permanent bends or wear.
- Use a dedicated gear bag: Consider storing your suppressor cover in a gear bag separate from other equipment that could damage it (like sharp tools or accessories).
Protect, Perform, and Shoot
At the end of the day, the right cover will protect your gear, keep you comfortable, and improve your accuracy, all while making your shooting experience as smooth as possible.
So whether you need something built like armor for high-caliber sessions or a versatile cover for any situation, Cole-TAC has you covered—literally. Explore all of our suppressor covers today.
