Suppressors get dangerously hot very fast. If you take someone shooting who has never shot a rifle with one. Tell them the first rule of suppressor guns is to “never touch the suppressor”. The second rule is “never touch the suppressor”. The third rule is “NEVER TOUCH THE SUPPRESSOR”.
Besides exercising caution suppressors are a fun and useful accessory for a gun. If you are worried about the heat then it is good to get an idea of “how hot do suppressors get?” Here’s what I found:
A Suppressor can reach temperatures in excess of 300-500 degrees Fahrenheit after 30 rounds fired rapidly. After continuous shooting a suppressor could be as hot as 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many factors involved including, ammunition used, suppressor quality, weather conditions and rate of fire. Suppressors can get hot enough to create heat waves coming off the top of them.
According to some manufactures they account for a 7 degree increase in temperature per round.
Handling A Hot Suppressor: Tips and Tools
After you have unloaded a few mags from your rifle the suppressor has become scolding hot. You are unsure how to safely put the rifle down without burning something. The gun case material is not always going to be the best option, a hot suppressor could melt or burn through nylon.
Whether on the range or in the wilderness be careful not to set down a hot suppressor near dry brush or grass. The extreme temperatures could start a fire. If you are indoors placing the rifle down on the range table or against a wall will work. Make sure it somewhere no one will accidentally touch it.
Don’t try to remove it until you know it has lost its heat. If you really need to remove the suppressor use heat resistant gloves. If you can find one that fits over the top of your suppressor you could do that in case of emergencies. Make sure the gloves can handle the heat for long enough to remove suppressor.
If you are going to remove a hot suppressor make sure you have a safe place to put it.
Using a welding blanket as a heat pad will work great to rest the suppressor.
Another way to transport the suppressor would be use a thermos mug. One that is thick enough to insulate the heat and protect from burns. Remember you still would have to remove the suppressor and this means you need gloves.
Best Gloves for Handling Suppressor
- Welding Gloves
- Oven Mitts
- Cooking/Grilling Gloves
Removing a Hot Suppressor
Any of the above gloves can used for removing a suppressor off your rifle. Welding blanket can be used for suppressor removal or storage.
Suppressor Pouch
Several manufacturers make their own suppressor pouch. These pouches are designed for transporting and storing suppressors. Even after the suppressor has be used and is really hot. You can pack a suppressor into them and bring them back home. No need to hold up a lane at the range waiting for a suppressor to cool down.
Make sure the pouch you buy is long enough to fit your suppressor. When shopping for pouches make sure they are for suppressors. Because there are also pouches made for magazines and ones made for torches/flashlights. Some are a hybrid of the two but make sure it can handle the heat. It may work for a ambient temperature suppressor and not be fire rated.
Suppressor pouch brands:
- Armageddon Gear – $40
- Magpul – $25
- Tac-Shield – $22
- Cole-Tac – $75
- Gemtech – $48
- Pantac – $13
- SureFire – $68
Best Suppressor Pouch
The Cole-TAC Vulcan Suppressor Pouch. This pouch has a fire rated up to 1800 degrees F liner. It will hold up to a 12 inch suppressor. Also is ready to be attached to a MOLLE. There are three color themes to chose from. They advertise that it can be used to cover suppressor for removal as well. Which is probably the best way to get your suppressor into the pouch after using it. Unless the suppressor has a cover then that will make removing safer.
Another plus is this pouch is big enough to fit a suppressor that has a cover on it. So you do not have to remove the cover each time you want to store it.
The model number for this pouch is B01N5SU7NM, and it can be found here on Amazon.
How to Cool Down Suppressor?
The easiest thing to do is to let the suppressor cool down naturally. Placing the rifle down and the having a heat resistant pad for the suppressor to rest on works great. This is also the least stressful for the suppressor. Forcing it to cool down (especially with water) can damage the metal by changing the temperature too quickly. Going from very hot to cold temperatures in a short time can cause a suppressor to become brittle or warp.
Cooling down a suppressor too quickly could cause it to become stuck onto the rifle.
Does the Heat Cause Damage?
Suppressors do suffer fatigue and can be abused. With proper maintenance and installation a suppressor can last for a very long time. Allowing them to cool down between rounds is one way to maintain the life of a suppressor.
Suppressor Maintenance
With owning a suppressor comes routine maintenance. Lead builds up on the inside after use and needs to be removed. Always read the manual for your suppressor to get specific information on maintenance.
Similar to a firearm, cleaning the suppressor is important for maintaining proper function. Suppressors will last longer if they are regularly cleaned. Just don’t over do it.
The first baffle (blast baffle) is where the most buildup will develop. This is the part of the suppressor that attaches to the barrel.
So what should you use to clean your suppressor?
Bronze or nylon brushes work great for cleaning the lead or copper out. A bronze pipe brush can be found in different sizes. There are all purpose brushes made and sold for firearm cleaning.
Make sure to only use the proper brush for different types of metal.
- Bronze Brush: steel or titanium suppressors
- Nylon Brush: aluminum suppressors
Use Break-Free CLP cleaner and spray the inside of the suppressor and use the brush to clean out the buildup.
Certain suppressors for .22 rimfire firearms are made to be dissembled and cleaned. If you don’t have one yet it is recommended to buy one first that can be taken apart for cleaning (only for .22 round firearms).
If the suppressor is not made to be taken apart then cleaning is still possible. Use a bronze bore brush, the ones you would use to clean a gun barrel.
Do not worry about getting the suppressor to be spotless clean. Just enough to make sure it functions properly. It is unlikely you will be able to get it one hundred percent clean. Keeping up on it is going to make cleaning easier. Everyone’s situation will be different because of the many variables.
Most likely you will not have to clean as often as you might think. Modern suppressors are well made and do not require as much maintenance as older models.
How Long will a suppressor last?
Suppressors will have lead and carbon buildup on the inside after regular use. Overtime too much buildup can reduce the effectiveness of the suppressor. Suppressors are designed to be used and function through thousands of rounds being fired. Avoid overheating the suppressor it will last for as long as the gun it is used on.
Overheating your suppressor requires a lot. The metal would have to become glowing red hot. Take this video for example, this is purposeful abuse of a firearm and suppressor.
What is Baffle Strike?
Baffle strike is a problem with alignment of the suppressor. There are different degrees of baffle strike. A full baffle strike could cause the suppressor to fly off or explode. Minor baffle strikes are less severe but will decrease accuracy.
Making sure the suppressor is threaded on properly. If it becomes loose for whatever reason baffle strike could occur. Always make sure suppressor is threaded on tightly and isn’t becoming unscrewed. If you have any concerns have a gun smith check the threads before attaching a suppressor can.