Best Suppressor Covers [Hands-On Tested]
We brought our favorite suppressor covers to the desert. And breakdown the best in terms of mirage, temperature, install, and more
SOLGW/Glock/Remington 870 Armorer. SDI Associates in Advanced Gunsmith. NRA Instructor & RSO
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Suppressors are one of the biggest game-changers in the shooting world.
They offer a variety of benefits, like a quieter sound signature and lighter recoil.
That isn’t to say that shooting suppressed is without its drawbacks. Just like the muffler on your car, silencers get really hot, which can lead to a distorted sight picture and burned hands.
Luckily, there's a simple fix. You need a suppressor cover.
Buckle up as we tour the world of suppressor covers, weigh some pros and cons, and ultimately point you to the ones we like the best.
The Quick List
- Best Overall: Cole-TAC HTP Suppressor CoverJump to details ↓
- Best for Precision Shooting: Armageddon Gear Mirage Suppressor CoverJump to details ↓
- Best Premium: Burn Proof Gear Heavy Suppressor CoverJump to details ↓
- Best Multilayer System: Rifles Only HAD Suppressor CoverJump to details ↓
- Best Value: SilencerCo Suppressor CoverJump to details ↓
Table of Contents
How We Test the Best Suppressor Covers
With several suppressor covers on the market, I wanted to test each to figure out which was the best option.
To achieve this, I paired an assortment of covers with my SilencerCo Omega 300 and shot it with a mixture of Winchester Ammunition.
The course of fire consisted of 30 rounds of USA Ready fired in rapid bursts of five rounds, each with a 2-second pause between volleys.
After a quick magazine change, I shot pairs with Super X and Super Suppressed with a 5-second pause between each grouping.
This method revealed how sustained fire in bursts and a more conservative course of fire would affect each cover.
During testing, I looked at the fit and feel of the suppressor alongside mirage mitigation and price.
I should point out that with the SilencerCo Omega (and any similar can), it's necessary to take off the anchor brake from the front of the can and replace it with a flat cap.
The anchor brake can heat up more than the can. If you don't remove it, you risk ruining your cover and potentially the finish of your can.
Best Suppressor Covers
1. Cole-TAC HTP Suppressor Cover - Best Overall
Editor's Note: PPT readers get 10% off orders on Cole-TAC with code PPT10!
Pros
- Compatible with short barrels
- Totally customizable
Cons
- Tailored to one specific suppressor
- While technically rated for full-auto fire, manufacturer does not recommend it
Specs
- Temperature Rating: 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fastening: Hook-and-loop straps
- Options: Size, color, optional Stricta Cord
The Cole-TAC High-Temperature Python is effective and worth every penny, and you can order it in any way you like.
This cover has an inner tube rated for 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a middle section rated for 1,800 degrees, and an outer shell that can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees.
According to Cole-TAC, this cover is rated for full-auto fire and is ideal for transitioning from rifle to pistol since it will prevent burns on your legs.
A variety of colors are available. Through their website, you can customize the color choice on every part of the cover—cover, straps, buckles, you name it. Still, this will cost less than $100.
Installation of the HTP is super easy. Position the inner sleeve over your can, slide both the inner and outer sleeves into place, and tighten the three straps down.
Once secured, there was no movement during the course of fire.
Removal was as simple as undoing the straps and sliding both pieces off the front of the suppressor.
After 30 rounds, the Cole-TAC cover was barely warm to the touch. After the full 60 rounds, it was only slightly warmer than when I started.
This had the best mirage abatement of the wrap-style covers designed for sustained rates of fire.
2. Armageddon Gear High Temp Suppressor Mirage Cover - Best for Precision Shooting
Pros
- Excellent mirage mitigation
- One-piece construction
- Affordable
Cons
- Standard model is not rated for rapid or full-auto fire
- Extreme Hi-Temp model has less color options
Specs
- Temperature Rating: 400 degrees Fahrenheit (standard model), 800 degrees Fahrenheit (Extreme Hi-Temp model)
- Fastening: Locking cord
- Options: Size, color
The Armageddon Gear Mirage Suppressor Cover focuses on mirage mitigation, making it ideal for long-range precision shooters who need optimal image quality.
The high-temperature version is rated up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit and uses built-in insulation. This version is full-auto rated and costs the same as the standard model (it just has fewer color options).
The standard covers are rated for up to 400 degrees and are designed for precision rifles. Their relatively low heat rating means they shouldn't be used for AR pistols, SBRs, mag dumps, or high rates of fire in general.
The standard models are available in five colors, while the Extreme Hi-Temp models are only available in two. Both models are available in several sizes.
Installation of these wraps is a no-brainer. Loosen your cord lock, loosen the cord, and slide the wrap into place. There should be a bit of material hanging over the back edge. Tighten the cord down starting at the rear, and then secure things in place with the cord lock.
Once tightened down, the Armageddon Gear cover moved very, very little. Due to the material hanging over, it could not shift forward but rather rolled a bit around the can.
After 30 rounds of fire, the surface felt only slightly warmer to the touch than the silicone sleeves did.
After the slower rate of fire on the second magazine, the cover did not get hotter, which is what I expected.
As promised, this cover provided the best mirage reduction out of the covers tested. Consider it PRS match-approved.
3. Burn Proof Gear Heavy Suppressor Cover - Best Premium
Pros
- Three sizes available
- Slim two-piece construction
- Good for most AR-style firearms
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Temperature Rating: Up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fastening: Tie-down cord
- Options: Size, color
The two-piece Burn Proof Gear Heavy Suppressor Cover is the most expensive option I tested, but its performance justifies the hefty price tag.
The first layer consists of a spongy fiberglass thermal barrier, followed by a Kevlar/Nomex outer sleeve. The interior barrier is rated for 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, while outer Nomex is rated for up to 1,000 degrees.
There are a few color options in a variety of sizes, including custom orders.
Installation was pretty easy to understand. Stretch the fiberglass barrier over your suppressor, then slide the Nomex outer sleeve over it. The final step is cinching the cording down tightly.
During the firing sequence, the Burn Proof Cover held up great! There was a slight amount of movement, which was due to me not tightening it down fully. After fixing that, the cover was secure and did not shift.
At no point during the 30 rounds did the cover heat up enough that I could feel it with a bare hand.
This cover produced only the slightest mirage effect, but nothing significant enough to alter the point of impact.
The second magazine is where Burn Proof started to show its worth. There was no rise in temperature on the surface of the cover. All the heat was contained on the inner sleeve.
According to Burn Proof Gear, you should be golden up to 180 rounds of basic M855 5.56 NATO ammo.
Not ready to go all-in on a suppressor cover? Burn Proof Gear also has an incredibly useful Burn Proof Hank. Whether you're removing a hot can or taking a skillet off the campfire, this thing is handy.
4. Rifles Only HAD Suppressor Cover - Best Multilayer System
Pros
- Safe for full-auto fire
- Plenty of sizes
Cons
- Tricky installation
Specs
- Temperature Rating: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fastening: Locking cord
- Options: Size, color
The Heat Abatement Device is a two-piece cover with some impressive tolerances.
The inner sleeve is rated to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can sustain that temperature.
The outer sleeve has a second thermal lining that's rated to withstand up to 2,000 degrees.
Rifles Only states that the cover is rated for semi-auto, rapid-fire, and full-auto. They do advise limiting yourself to four mag dumps, though, so as not to damage your can or cover.
Seven color options are available in a variety of sizes. The Rifles Only cover will run you just shy of $100.
Installation of the HAD was the hardest of the wrap-style covers. The method used to cinch down the cording took some getting used to.
During the first 30-round course of fire, both the inner sleeve and outer Nomex shifted forward a bit.
However, I will say this is likely due to not securing the cord around my barrel fully.
Make sure to watch the installation video to avoid this.
The second 30 rounds saw no change in heat or mirage. The cording coming unwrapped from my barrel did prove to be a bit of a distraction, though.
Again I emphasize...watch the installation video and figure out a way to secure the extra cording.
The HAD lived up to its name. This cover ate up the heat and was cool to the touch when handling the outer shell.
It reduced the mirage effect significantly, with only the slightest visible heatwave being left.
5. SilencerCo Suppressor Cover - Best Value
Pros
- User-friendly
- Solid heat rating
Cons
- Only two lengths available
Specs
- Temperature Rating: 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fastening: Hook-and-loop straps
- Options: Size, color
SilencerCo is a huge name in the suppressor industry, so it makes sense for the brand to offer covers as well.
This one was in the middle of the pack in terms of cost but not performance.
Installation and removal were similar to the Cole-Tac. Slide the two-piece assembly into place and tighten down the three-strap system. If you secure the cover properly, there will be no movement.
Full disclosure, I failed to secure one strap fully, and the cover shifted forward some while I was shooting.
During the 30-round course of fire, I stopped once to adjust and secure the cover. Despite being nearly two-thirds through the round count, the cover was lukewarm to the touch -- not uncomfortable in the slightest.
After adjusting the cover, I finished the remainder of the first magazine and immediately went into the second.
There wasn’t much difference in heat or the mirage despite the increasing round count.
I would say that the mirage reduction of this cover was neck and neck with the Cole-Tac in terms of visible heat coming off.
Bottom line: this cover gives you quite a bit for your money.
How to Choose the Best Suppressor Cover
Suppressor covers are made by several companies and generally come in two styles with a few options in each.
The most popular style by far is a cloth wrap. These generally have an inner sleeve covered by a heat-resistant cloth and are secured with cording.
These come in different lengths, so make sure you buy one that matches the length and diameter of your suppressor.
Why Trust Us
Keep it simple -- I put my hands on each of the products you see here.
That's true in the general sense, but I also handled them without burning my fingers. I shot rapid strings of fire to make sure my sight picture didn't get thrown off by heat mirage.
I know they work because they worked for me.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right suppressor cover depends on the style of shooting you plan to do. While all of the covers tested were high-quality, there were areas where each of them seemed to shine. Factors like ease of installation and removal are something to consider.
If you have to carry things around for extended periods, you might need to factor in weight.
Hopefully, the information here gets you to the proper cover for your preferred shooting style.
Running a cover on your suppressor? Tell us which is your favorite in the comments below. If you're adding another suppressor to your gun safe, check out our guide for the Best Places to Buy a Suppressor Online & Off.
Latest Updates
September 2024: Removed the Manta Defense silicone suppressor cover.