I have my SBR put together and am waiting for my Surefire SOCOM suppressor. I was wondering if any makes, or uses, a suppressor cover on their suppressed SBR. I know how hot a suppressed 5.56 rifle can get and was just curious to know if this is something people use. Thank you.
I just got a TAB Gear cover for my .308 suppressor that I run on my AR. Seems pretty well made and as long as you’re not doing multiple mag dumps at a time, you shouldn’t exceed the heat rating.
I know some HSLD types that use those Manta things on them at times.
I hate suppressor covers for the most part. They’re a pain in the ass. The only time the benefit outweighs the ass ache is when you’re shooting a magnified optic.
Depending on the optic, you can start getting mirage distortion in as little as 5 to 10 rounds.
I melted an elite iron cover to my suppressor with 20 rounds fired in about 60 seconds time frame, unless it’s going on a bolt gun I don’t recommend any covers or wraps.
I agree. And even on bolt gun they’re a distraction… always sliding forward… then the ends get frayed.
I use the bowers covers. They work great but sliding forward after a few mag dumps can occur.
I’ve one of these installed, so that whenever I’m done shooting, the inside of my gun bag doesn’t get melted in the event I don’t have time to wait for the can to cool down. For that specific purpose, it works great.
http://ustacticalsupply.com/556762suppressorcover95.aspx
Hasn’t melted to the can, and comes off with a little water added. One’ll still need gloves to handle a hot can, if you feel the need to dismount it before it’s cooled…but normal thickness shooting gloves, not BBQ gloves or oven mitts.
I think the cloth-based ones are better for mitigating mirage, but they’re clearly more spendy…make sure that if you get one of those, get one that’s not prone to sliding off the can under recoil impulse. That can be A Thing with them…
I use a tab gear cover and it does seem to slide all over the place.
It’s on a bolt gun, I can’t see any real reason to use one on a gun without a magnified optic.
I’ve had the chance to play with the Manta covers a few times. I’ll have to say I was impressed with they’re ability to handle heat. I intentionally tried to heat the can up as fast as possible. I was able to get off maybe 50-60 rounds of 556 before the can became to uncomfortable to handle with my bare hands (10.3" MK18).
If i was in a position where I had to sling the rifle constantly immediately after dumping rounds, I’d see an advantage.
Otherwise it’s inability to keep from inch worming forwards bothered me. Plus that thing is damn near impossible to remove once it’s on there.
Which model are you running? Mine fits super snug and has retention built in to keep it from sliding.
Best I’ve found and used.
Rifles Only MAD cover. The inner core is rated to 3,000 degrees, and uses a bungee mechanism to keep the can from sliding. The outer sleeve is also replaceable so you can change out the camo pattern.
I’m currently using one on a SOCOM762-RC.
https://www.riflesonly.com/pro-shop/ftw-gear/ftw-suppressor-cover.html
Edit to add: I also use a M240B spare barrel bag to lay my suppressors down on at the range. The inside is rated to 2,000 degrees and helps prevent melting benches that have rubber mats on top. It’s also nice to be able to throw suppressors in the bag and head home instead of waiting 30 minutes for them to cool down. You can routinely find them on ebay for 35.00 used.
OP,
I wouldn’t worry about running a suppressor cover on a SBR. If it did melt or burn most of the companies won’t warranty them if they are used under high strings of fire. I would get some high tempature gloves, Ironclad makes some that are rated for 600 degrees. I also like domestique’s idea about the M240 barrel bag. Hope this helps brother.
One thing to keep in mind is that these covers don’t allow your can to cool anywhere close to as fast when installed. While they can prevent burns etc during transitions (or catching your pants on fire) they should probably be removed as soon as you can.
I don’t have any hard data on longevity issues with extended heat retention (and if I did, no doubt it would vary from can to can) but it seems prudent.
Thermal regulation isn’t just for suppressors though
I have the Griffon Industries Mini on my SOCOM 556SB. The Mini cover allows access to the locking release with out moving the cover.
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On bolt gun… in between strings of fire, it’s common to slide the cover back onto the barrel to allow the can to cool.
It’s on a 30p-1. No Velcro, but does have a retention collar on one side. It’s snug, but still moves over the course of one 10rd mag.
Yeah the one I have is apparently the updated version that has retention collars on both ends to prevent sliding like you have been experiencing.