You got your tax stamp. Your new suppressor is attached to your rifle barrel and you are off to the range. After a couple of magazines, you suddenly discover an immediate need for a new accessory. When you try to change the suppressor from one rifle to another, you discover that suppressors get very hot with use. It’s time to look for a suppressor cover.
For our list, we looked for the best compromise in cost and effectiveness. These are the five best suppressor covers that made our list:
- Sub-Tac Alpha
- Magpul
- Burn Proof Gear
- Manta Defense
- Armageddon Gear
Choosing a suppressor cover is mostly a matter of personal taste than it is operational specifications. Most manufacturers or suppressor covers have products that will do the job. It is the esthetics of how the suppressor cover looks on their rifle that is the most significant factor for most shooters. However, there are some things to consider when choosing a suppressor cover beyond just the look.
SKIP AHEAD
Our Choices of the Best Suppressor Covers
We tried to find the best compromises between weight, bulk, heat rating, and looks. We think that these five suppressor covers offer the best value and the optimal specifications for most suppressed rifle shooters.
These suppressor covers are no specific order. Each one has features that make it stand out. Hopefully, you will find the one that meets your needs on this list.
1. Sub-Tac Alpha – Rugged, Dependable, and American Made
Sub-Tac Alpha builds suppressor covers. And they are good at what they do. Sub-Tac Alpha makes some of the best suppressor covers on the market. The materials are top-notch, and the construction is flawless. The only other product in their line is the Battlepack. The company focus is clearly on suppressor covers and how to make them better.
Alpha-Tac offers suppressor covers in a variety of sizes, lengths, and styles to fit any shooter’s needs. A look at the features that come standard with every Sub-Tac Alpha suppressor cover and you will understand why Sub-Tac Alpha is on my list of the top five suppressor covers.
- Interchangeable core material with heat ratings available up to 3500 degrees
- Multiple lengths are available to fit any length suppressor
- Available in multiple colors and designs
- Adjustable size to adapt the suppressor cover to any diameter suppressor
- The fully customizable attachment system allows you to create your system to fit your needs
- These suppressor covers are made in the USA
The package includes:
- Interchangeable inner core
- Outer cover
- 8’ of paracord
- 3 high-quality cinch straps
- Care and use instructions
I like the design of the Alpha-Tac suppressor covers. The interchangeable core allows you to change cores depending on the needs. If you want to fire full automatic in long sustained bursts, insert the 3500-degree full auto core. If you are hunting or target shooting, one of the lower temperature cores may well fill the bill for you.
I also like the choices of attachments. If you want to create a rugged look, use the 8’ of paracord to create a custom weave wrap around the suppressor cover. For a more ergonomic choice, the cinch straps will hold the suppressor cover on your rifle snuggly and securely.
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 20:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Magpul – Innovative Design for Specific Applications
You would expect Magpul to have an entirely different take on suppressor cover design and you are correct. Magpul has brought new thoughts and innovative new technical specifications to the suppressor cover market.
The Magpul suppressor cover design promises to take more heat for a longer period than its competitors. A faster cooling process and the ability to absorb more heat are the keys to these promises. The external polymer sleeve of the Magpul suppressor cover fits over a stainless steel heat shield that clamps to the suppressor.
Magpul touts this design as capable of reducing external cover temperatures by as much as 1000 degrees cooler than the suppressor. The design of the Magpul suppressor cover also allows maximum airflow beneath the outer cover and over the suppressor and heat shield.
Magpul hasn’t skimped on the features or quality on their suppressor covers
- Heat resistant polymer sleeve for a sleek, efficient look and feel on the gun
- Stainless steel heat shield designed to allow airflow through the suppressor cover to keep temperatures on the suppressor manageable
- Superior heat management keeps distortions in the sight picture to a minimum
- Rapid heat dissipation means less likelihood of an impact within the suppressor
- Cool to the touch technology prevents contact burn injuries.
- The stainless steel heat shield protects the suppressor from incidental damage
Magpul builds great equipment across their line. Their suppressor covers are no different. However, they do have a significant downside for many shooters. The Magpul suppressor covers only fit 5.5” x 1.5-inch suppressors. Unless you have a suppressor with these dimensions, the Magpul suppressor cover won’t work for you.
- Extreme temperature protection that mitigates internal temperatures to safe levels; Minimizes...
- Reduces thermal signature; Mitigates mirage effects in sight picture
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 20:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Burn Proof Gear – Great Protection Within Limits
Burn Proof Gear makes safety equipment. Their focus is on providing products to the military and law enforcement. However, in today’s environment, the civilian market is an ever-growing part of Burn Proof Gear’s market.
Suppressor covers are just one part of the Burn Proof Gear product line, but, in keeping with their focus on products fit for military and law enforcement use, these suppressor covers are among the best. Burn Proof Gear is quality-oriented and customer-driven.
Burn Proof Gear offers a wide selection of suppressor covers designed to fit specific brands of rifle and pistol suppressors. There should never be any doubt about the fit of your Burn Proof Gear suppressor cover on your rifle or pistol.
If you have a custom-built suppressor with different dimensions, Burn Proof Gear offers custom suppressor cover builds. Their website includes detailed instructions on how to measure your suppressor to ensure a perfect fit.
When you order a Burn Proof Gear suppressor cover, you can expect a long list of features
- The outer cover of Burn Proof Gear suppressor covers is Kevlar material rated to 1,000 degrees F.
- The inner core of the suppressor cover is a high-temperature silica material rated to 2,000 degrees F.
- Patented suppressor cover design runs cooler and protects better
- Machine washable. Toss your Burn Proof Gear suppressor cover in the washing machine after a day in the field or at the range to keep it at its best.
- Lightweight design and low-profile don’t interfere with the sight picture
- Significantly reduces heat mirage and distortion
- The cord wrap attachment system is fool-proof and dependable. No Velcro to foul or wear out.
- Kevlar cord available for high-temperature use
- Inner fiberglass sleeve construction adds protection for your suppressor
- Each Burn Proof Gear suppressor cover comes with a limited lifetime warranty
The Burn Proof Gear suppressor covers are probably the most expensive suppressor covers on our list. There is a reason for this, and it boils down to quality and performance.
The one thing that keeps me from recommending this cover as a top pick is the limitation that Burn Proof Gear places on their warranty. The Burn Proof Gear suppressor covers are limited to 150 rounds at full auto in 15 minutes. If you anticipate situations in which you may need to run off long bursts of automatic fire during, the Burn Proof Gear suppressor cover is probably not for you.
- 1.5 Diameter
- Patented Design
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 20:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Manta Defense – New Materials and Technology
The Manta Defense suppressor cover takes an entirely different approach. Manta Defense builds its suppressor covers from high-temperature resistant silicon materials. Most of us are familiar with these materials in the kitchen, where they come in a range of products from oven mitts to spatulas.
The same qualities of high-temperature resistance and flexibility have been adapted to suppressor covers by Manta Defense. The ribbed design is comfortable to the hand and attractive on the gun. The V@ line of Manta Defense suppressor covers features an attractive spiral design.
One of the great features of the silicon-based suppressor covers is its adaptability. These suppressor covers cut quickly to make a perfect fit on the length of your suppressor, adding a bit of customization to your gun.
- High-temperature silicone material won’t melt or deform
- Available in multiple colors
- Easily customization to fit the length of your suppressor
- Superior high-temperature protection to prevent burns
- The soft material absorbs impacts as well, protecting your valuable suppressor
- Attractive design enhances the visual look of the rifle or pistol
Manta Defense does state explicitly that their suppressor cover isn’t meant for long bursts of automatic fire. According to their website, the cyclic fire of more than 100 rounds is prohibited. Also, if your suppressor is titanium, this limitation drops to 50 rounds.
Armageddon Gear – Precision Shooting Enhancement
Despite the ominous name, Armageddon Gear is a well-known and respected manufacturer and seller of high-quality gun accessories. Among their product offerings is a line of suppressor covers. The focus on Armageddon Gear’s suppressor cover design is the elimination of heat mirage for long-distance shooters using suppressors. Armageddon gear is clear on their website that the Armageddon Gear suppressor covers don’t meet the requirements for sustained rapid-fire conditions. If you are looking for a suppressor cover to put on your binary trigger equipped AR, the Armageddon Gear suppressor is not for you.
The design and features of the Armageddon Gear suppressor covers are impressive.
- The securing system is designed for rapid and vigorous movement yet can be removed within seconds.
- Nylon shell cover design protects the inner core of the suppressor cover without contacting the suppressor itself.
- Designed for use on precision semi-automatic and bolt action rifles
- Heat rating up to 800 degrees F
- Can be used on titanium suppressors
- Custom size construction is available on special order
For shooters who are bothered by the heat mirage over their suppressor, Armageddon Gear has designed a suppressor cover specifically for your application. The American made Armageddon Gear suppressor covers could be the answer to your needs.
You won’t get what you need if you are expecting to shoot long bursts of high-speed fire. The low-temperature rating of the Armageddon Gear suppressor covers won’t take that kind of abuse. However, when used for the intended application, these suppressor covers from Armageddon Gear are above reproach.
Why? What Function Does a Suppressor Cover Perform?
Suppressor covers are more than just pretty decorations that can add to the “look” of your rifle. Suppressor covers perform several vital functions.
- Protection for You – Everyone knows that a rifle barrel can get dangerously hot, especially when fired repeatedly or with sustained fast bursts. Suppressors are an extension of the rifle barrel and exhibit the same tendency to get hot after repeated shots. Accidently grab that suppressor when a gun starts to slide off a table or rest and you will soon learn a valuable lesson about suppressor covers.
- Protection for your gun – Things happen to guns when they start to get hot. The same sorts of issues affect suppressors. To prevent damage to your gun or your suppressor, an adequately designed suppressor cover can help alleviate some of these internal changes by helping heat management.
- Vision and aiming – The heat rising from a hot barrel or a suppressor can cause distortions in your sight picture as you are shooting. A suppressor cover can prevent much of this heat-related sight distortion, meaning more accurate shooting.
- Protection for your suppressor – By nature, suppressors live in an exposed and vulnerable position. Stuck on the end of the barrel, they are subject to being dropped, banged around, and struck during use. Suppressor covers help alleviate some of the damage that can occur during everyday use or accidents.
Choosing a Suppressor Cover – What Should be on Your List
As simple as they may seem, suppressor covers can be tricky to evaluate. The simplicity of their design often masks the very things that are important to consider. You may have to do some digging to find out if a given suppressor cover meets these basic functional needs.
The Material and Parts
The suppressor cover typically has two parts. These parts are the inner jacket and the outer jacket that must work together to give you the proper protection.
- The inner jacket – The inner jacket that is closest to the suppressor should be some fire-retardant or fire-proof material. The most popular materials used for the inner cover of suppressors are Nomex or Kevlar. Some newer concepts use silicon and other synthetic fabrics, but, for the most part, suppressor covers made with an inner core of Kevlar or Nomex that can absorb and dissipate heat.
- The outer jacket – In general, the outer jacket’s most important job is to protect the inner jacket. Whatever material, the outer jacket should be tough and durable. This material is subject to weather and the usual wear and tear of everyday use. This part of the suppressor cover is also vital in protecting your suppressor from dings, dents, and scratches.
- The attachments system – More than anything else, I hear complaints about the attachment system on suppressor covers. Users either complain about the attachment system no functioning properly, not holding the cover in place effectively, or failing after being on the suppressor only a short time.
Heat Rating and Fit
Suppressors are just like us. They come in all sizes and dimensions. Just like you and me, you need to find a suppressor cover that is a fit to the dimensions of your suppressor. A proper fit will ensure that your suppressor cover performs to its intended level.
Since suppressor covers manage the heat generated in your suppressor, understanding the heat rating system on suppressor covers is essential. The higher the heat rating, the more temperature your suppressor cover can effectively manage. Finding the right level of heat rating is a matter of several factors
- How do you shoot? – The way you shoot can tell you a lot about the heat rating you need on your suppressor cover. If you are one of those magazine dumpers at the range who delight in long fast bursts of fire, then your suppressor is going to run hot. Hotter suppressors mean you need a higher heat rating on your suppressor cover.
- How do you use your rifle? – If you use your rifle for hunting, you probably are more worried about the weight, the protection, and the effectiveness of your cover at mitigating heat distortion on the optics. You may need less heat rating but a more durable and tougher outer jacket for the suppressor cover.
Typically, the higher the heat rating, the more weight and bulk you add to the end of your rifle. Weight and bulk may not be an issue at the range, but in the field, ounces matter and what is on the end of that rifle can have a significant effect.
In the End and On the End
Suppressors are becoming more and more common on the range and in the field among sport and hunting enthusiasts. The reduction in noise is a huge benefit, especially when shooting at indoor ranges.
Depending on the application and your expectations, I think one of the best suppressors covers on our list will fit your needs perfectly.
I hope I have helped you make the right decision when choosing a suppressor cover for your rifle or pistol. If you found this information helpful or if you have comments or suggestions, please use the comment section below to let everyone else benefit from what you have learned. We appreciate your comments.
