PSA: Suppressors Get Hot

PSA: Suppressors Get Hot

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to provide a quick PSA about the fact that suppressors get hot. This reality is often forgotten by those enjoying time at the range, with lapses in judgement leading to mild singes to more severe burns or even property damage. We are going to delve into various factors and variables to consider regarding suppressors heating up. Without further ado, let’s get into our PSA about suppressors getting hot with use.

Why Do Suppressors Get Hot?

Put plainly, most things involved with firearm operation tend to get hot. Suppressors are no exception to this rule. These devices are attached to the muzzle or integral to the firearm itself, exposing them to high levels of heat during the firing process. As metal objects, these devices also retain and conduct heat. As a projectile travels through the bore of the firearm, the barrel generally heats up and gets hotter with subsequent shots. This of course extends to suppressors as well. Due to their nature, suppressors trap expanding gasses generated by the firing process and allow them to cool. These gasses can be quite hot depending on the caliber and frequency of fire. These factors ultimately lead to suppressors heating up while in use. Purchase Ammo

Is it Safe for Suppressors to Get Hot?

The short answer to this question is “yes,” while the longer, more complete answer has a few caveats. While all suppressors get hot and can generally handle heat, different suppressors have different tolerances for heat. This is to say that some suppressors can withstand sustained heat for longer than others. What is safe for one suppressor may not be safe for another. Some materials, such as Inconel and stainless steel, are more resistant to high levels of sustained heat than materials such as aluminum or titanium. Excessive heat and firing can potentially strain or damage a suppressor if it is not rated for high heat and firing cycles. Another good indicator of a suppressor’s heat resistance beyond materials is whether the unit is full auto rated. This is a quick way to determine if a suppressor is intended to be used with high rates of sustained fire. Additionally, there are some units which are explicitly intended for use on manual action firearms such as bolt action rifles. These types of suppressors are not designed to withstand high heat and fire rates. In short, heat is a normal variable encountered by suppressors, though some units can handle more heat than others.

How Hot Can a Suppressor Get?

Suppressors can get quite hot, especially on a semi-automatic or fully automatic firearm. Factors such as the host firearm, suppressor materials, suppressor attachment method, caliber, and loading can influence suppressor temperature buildup. For this example, we are going to focus on 5.56 and how the round tends to heat up suppressors. Generally, each shot fired will potentially raise the temperature of a suppressor anywhere from 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to say that after one 30 round magazine a suppressor can be anywhere from 270 – 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Further firing increases the temperature even higher.

Burn Risk

Naturally, things that get hot can certainly be a burn risk. This is to say that one can risk damaging equipment, property, and even burning themselves with a suppressor. A shooter can accidentally burn themselves, their clothes, gun bag, shooting bench, or even the bed liner of their truck with a hot suppressor. One will be able to tell a suppressor is heating up as a noticeable heat mirage is emitted from the top of the unit. Additionally, if one notices the barrel or handguard of a rifle is emitting heat, one can assume that their suppressor is also heating up. As a general rule of thumb, if either of these components are too hot too touch, one should avoid touching their suppressor.

Fire Hazard

Additionally, it should also be noted that excessively hot suppressors can potentially be fire hazards. This is especially true if a hot suppressor is left on dry brush or another potentially flammable material. Due to this reality, one should be wary of where they place their hot suppressors while allowing them to cool. Some areas may be more prone to fires than others, meaning that some shooters will need to be extra vigilant in some cases. Purchase Ammo

How Do You Handle a Hot Suppressor?

If you need to handle a hot suppressor, there are several tools and implements you can employ to aid in this task. In the past, Silencer Shop has sold oven mitt type products which allowed end users to safely get ahold of hot suppressors. Additionally, Moonlight Industries currently makes a product which functions as both a suppressor pouch and means to safely handle a hot suppressor. The company’s HotBox offerings notably feature heat resistant carbon and Kevlar threading which aids in resisting high temperatures. Essentially, an end user should seek something which safely allows one to contact hot surfaces. One does not want to use something which could burn or melt as harm can come to an end user. Of course, one could also just let a suppressor cool down a bit before touching it.

How Do You Cool a Suppressor?

While one may be tempted to use something like ice or cold water, this practice is not always recommended. With some materials, rapid changes in temperature from one extreme to another can result in the integrity of the unit becoming compromised. This is often due to warping or stress incurred with some materials after rapid temperature changes. A safe way to cool a hot suppressor is to simply put the unit to the side and refrain from using it. This process is sped up if one can remove the suppressor from a firearm as it will not continue to conduct heat from the hot firearm.

Conclusion

All in all, one should be mindful of the fact that suppressors do in fact get hot while in use. Being aware of this fact will aid in enhancing one’s safety and ensuring that unintentional harm or property damage does not occur. Additionally, one will also benefit from knowing the intended purpose and limitations of their suppressor and other equipment. Doing so promotes long service lives. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry suppressors, we do carry a wide range of ammo for sale. Our inventory encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as 9mm, .223, 12 gauge, and .22 LR to name a few. Of course, regarding suppressors, we do carry several subsonic loadings appropriate for suppression. Whether you want to buy bulk ammo or purchase subsonic ammunition, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.