Suppressors are valuable tools for reducing gunfire noise. However, they come with one common challenge: heat buildup. And managing this heat is essential to protect your gear and keep you from getting severely burned.
Understanding Suppressor Heat
Each time you fire a round, high-pressure gases from the burning gunpowder expand and release heat. Your suppressor traps and redirects these gases, which lowers the noise of each shot but also causes heat to build up fast.
This rapid heat accumulation has several negative effects if not properly managed.
First, it shortens your suppressor’s lifespan by causing wear and tear that could lead to long-term damage. Next, it creates a mirage effect – heat waves that rise off your suppressor and distort your sightline. Finally, the extreme heat makes the suppressor so hot it will cause burns with the slightest touch.
Ways to Manage Suppressor Heat
Managing suppressor heat is key to protecting you and your gear.
Natural Air Cooling
One of the simplest methods for managing suppressor heat is to let the air do the work by gradually cooling the suppressor. For casual shooters, this no-cost solution works well.
However, natural cooling has its limits. This method simply can’t keep up in rapid-fire scenarios or high-volume shooting. The suppressor will become too hot too quickly, and waiting for it to cool will interrupt your session.
Breaks Between Sessions
For more strategic shooters, taking intentional breaks between shooting sessions is an effective way to manage heat. This approach is particularly useful for hunters and competition shooters who don’t fire continuously.
By timing your breaks carefully, you can give your suppressor a chance to cool without sacrificing your performance or safety. But you need to plan these brakes strategically to give your suppressor sufficient time to cool down.
Suppressor Covers
For more serious shooters, suppressor covers are game-changers. They’re designed to disperse heat from the suppressor to speed up the cooling process.
They also prevent burns by providing a protective layer and reduce the mirage effect that distorts your sightline during shooting.
Why Suppressor Covers Are the Best Solution for Suppressor Heat Management
Suppressor covers offer an unmatched combination of safety, performance, and durability for handling suppressor heat.
Heat Dissipation and Protection
Suppressor covers are made from materials like Kevlar and Nomex, which are designed to resist extreme heat.
These materials help dissipate the heat externally so your suppressor can cool down faster after intense firing sessions. They also provide a protective barrier that shields you from burns, so you can handle your firearm safely without worrying about scorching-hot metal.
A great example is our Cole-TAC HTP Suppressor Cover. It combines heat resistance and durability to provide maximum protection so you can work through your rapid-fire or extended shooting sessions without burning your hands.
Read Comparing the Best Materials for Suppressor Covers for a deeper look at suppressor cover design and materials.
Mitigating the Mirage Effect
Heat waves rising from a hot suppressor create a mirage effect that distorts your view and makes it difficult to aim precisely. The suppressor cover combats this by insulating the suppressor to reduce the amount of heat that escapes, thereby minimizing the mirage.
With less heat distortion, you’ll have a clearer sightline, making it easier to stay on target at long distances or for precision shooting.
For more on suppressor mirage, read How to Eliminate Suppressor Mirage with a Suppressor Cover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suppressor Heat Management
How hot can a suppressor get during shooting?
Suppressors can get extremely hot, especially during rapid-fire or sustained shooting sessions. After just a few magazines, some suppressors can reach temperatures over 800°F.
This intense heat can cause burns and impact the performance and lifespan of your suppressor.
Can you pour water on a hot suppressor to cool it down?
While technically you can pour water on a hot suppressor, it’s not recommended.
Rapid cooling through water will cause thermal shock, which can damage the suppressor’s materials or structure. A safer method is to allow the suppressor to cool naturally or use a suppressor cover designed for heat management.
Can you burn out a suppressor?
Yes, it’s possible to burn out a suppressor if it’s exposed to excessive heat over long periods of use. Rapid or sustained firing generates intense heat, which can cause internal damage or shorten the suppressor’s lifespan if not properly managed.
Using a high-quality suppressor cover will help reduce the heat buildup and extend the life of your suppressor.
Do suppressor covers affect accuracy?
When properly fitted, suppressor covers do not impact accuracy. In fact, they can improve precision by reducing the mirage effect so your sightline stays clear.
For more about suppressor covers, read Your Complete Guide to Suppressor Covers and Why You Need a Suppressor Cover.
How do I know if a suppressor cover will fit my firearm?
For a proper fit, you’ll need to measure the diameter of your suppressor (not its circumference). The most accurate method is to use calipers for this measurement.
Also make sure to consider any ports or QD (quick-detach) attachments on the suppressor. These will need to remain exposed since covering the ports will damage both the cover and the suppressor’s functionality.
You can also look for a suppressor cover with additional cords or fasteners that help create an overall snug fit. For example, our Corset Suppressor Cover features a tightening system that creates a snug fit around the suppressor to reduce the risk of slippage. This is especially helpful for larger calibers with more recoil or suppressors that have smoother surfaces.
Keep Your Suppressor Cool and Ready
Whether you’re a casual shooter or engage in more intense shooting sessions, a suppressor cover will manage the heat so you can focus on your shooting.
Visit Cole-TAC to find the right suppressor cover for your needs.
