If you’ve ever struggled with a distorted view through your scope, suppressor mirage could be the problem. Fortunately, a practical and effective solution to fix this issue is using a suppressor cover.
Let’s break down what suppressor mirage is, how it impacts your performance, and why a suppressor cover is a game-changer.
What is suppressor mirage?
Suppressor mirage occurs when heat builds up on your suppressor during repeated shooting. This heat that rises off your suppressor creates visible waves that distort what you see through your scope.
If you imagine looking across a hot road in the middle of summer, you’ll see wavy lines blurring the horizon. That’s essentially what’s happening on a smaller scale on top of your suppressor. These rising heat waves, or “mirage,” will impact what you see through your optics.
Impact of Suppressor Mirage on Accuracy
Suppressor mirage can mean the difference between hitting your mark or missing entirely. When those heat waves distort your line of sight, it makes acquiring and maintaining a clear sight picture more challenging. This is especially true at long range, where even the slightest distortion can throw off your shot.
How a Suppressor Cover Eliminates Mirage
Imagine your suppressor as a stove burner. As you keep it fired up, it gets hotter and hotter, radiating that heat into the air. A suppressor cover acts like an oven mitt for your suppressor by creating an insulating barrier that keeps the heat from radiating freely into the air.
This is particularly critical in scenarios where precision matters the most, like in long-range competitions or make-or-break moments in the field. A suppressor cover reduces the intensity of the rising waves by containing and dissipating the external heat to help maintain a clear sight picture.
Read Why You Need a Suppressor Cover for a deeper dive into the benefits.
Different Types of Suppressor Covers
The effectiveness of a cover largely depends on the materials used. For instance, some covers use high-temperature fabrics designed to handle rapid firing and intense heat build-up. Others may combine multiple layers for both heat resistance and durability.
- High-temp fabrics: They’re lightweight, making them ideal for shooters who don’t want added bulk on their rifles. The downside? They may not offer as much protection against environmental wear as heavier-duty materials, but they do excel at keeping heat waves in check.
- Multi-layer thermal barriers: The design provides superior insulation to manage mirage and extra durability. The trade-off here is that they can be a bit bulkier, but if you need maximum heat management for precision shooting, they’re a great choice. Take Cole-TAC’s HTP (High-Temperature Python) Suppressor Cover. It’s built with layered materials capable of withstanding the intense heat from extended shooting sessions.
Whether you’re looking for something to handle the extremes of competition or need a dependable solution for target practice, there are suppressor covers available to meet a wide range of shooting demands.
Check out Comparing the Best Materials for Suppressor Covers for more on suppressor cover materials.
Choosing the Right Suppressor Cover
Choosing the right suppressor cover isn’t just about finding the toughest material or the highest temperature rating – it’s about matching your specific needs with the right features.
The most important factors in choosing a suppressor cover are your shooting style, the caliber of your rifle, and the length of your barrel. These details determine how much heat your suppressor will generate and how you need to manage it.
- Shooting style: If you’re moving fast in tactical scenarios, you need something lightweight. On the other hand, if you’re focused on long-range precision, managing mirage is key, and the heavier covers are best for this.
- Caliber and barrel length: The combination of caliber and barrel length significantly affects how much heat the suppressor will generate. Larger calibers and shorter barrels mean more heat buildup, which requires a cover that can manage this heat over time.
A Note on Suppressor Cover Sizing
Another detail to consider is the design and setup of your suppressor itself. If your suppressor has ports on the end or a QD (Quick Detach) attachment, you need to leave these features exposed since covering the ports will lead to damage. So take this into account when choosing a suppressor cover.
Cole-TAC Suppressors Covers
At Cole-TAC, we know that every shooter’s needs are different, so we offer a variety of suppressor covers.
HTP Suppressor Cover
Our HTP (High-Temperature Python) Suppressor Cover is built for serious heat management. Its inner lining is made of a woven fiberglass tube dipped in high-temperature silicone, allowing it to withstand up to 3000°F.
If you’re looking for a cover that will handle the toughest conditions without adding weight, the HTP is your go-to. It’s perfect for keeping mirage to a minimum during shooting sessions while maintaining your rifle’s maneuverability.
Python Suppressor Cover
The Python Suppressor Cover is ideal for shooters who need maximum thermal protection. Its multi-layer design offers increased heat resistance, durability, and mirage control, making it a top choice for competition or long-range tactical shooting.
Additionally, it uses plastic buckles (because they transfer less heat), keeping things cool and comfortable during extended use.
Baby Python Suppressor Cover
For those working with rimfire suppressors, the Baby Python Suppressor Cover is designed for your needs.
It offers the same multi-layer protection as the Python but in a compact size perfect for smaller-caliber suppressors.
Metal Python Suppressor Cover
While the Python and Baby Python covers feature plastic buckles for their heat-resistant properties, we listened to customer feedback asking for an even tougher option.
We created the Metal Python Suppressor Cover for shooters who need the durability of metal buckles while still effectively managing heat.
Corset Suppressor Cover
If you’re running a short-barreled rifle (SBR), the Corset Suppressor Cover is our top recommendation.
This cover is designed to fit snugly around your suppressor and provides excellent heat management for shorter setups.
Eliminate Mirage and Improve Your Shot
From improved accuracy to increased protection, a suppressor cover is more than just an accessory. It’s a critical part of your shooting kit. So, whether you need something lightweight for quick maneuvers or a heavy-duty solution for long-range sessions, a suppressor cover will keep you focused on the target, not on managing heat.
Check out Cole-TAC’s wide range of suppressor covers to find the perfect fit for your shooting and take your precision to the next level.
