Suppressors can make every shot smoother because they cut down the noise and tame recoil. But many shooters worry about one thing: heat.
A suppressor gets hot fast when you fire multiple rounds and can make the experience less pleasant. But the real question is, how hot do suppressors get?
Do they heat up to a level where working with them is dangerous or is the heat manageable?
If you also have these concerns, we hear you because we’ll explain a suppressor’s heating in detail and show you how to handle it like a pro.
So, if you don’t want a scorched hand or damaged gear, keep reading and learn all about a suppressor’s heating!
How Hot Do Suppressors Get?
Suppressors can reach temperatures from around 300 to over 800 degrees Fahrenheit during heavy use. The exact temperature depends on how fast you shoot, the material of your suppressor, and how frequently you let it cool before you run it hard and hot.
Now that you have a temperature range in mind, let’s break this heating a bit. So when hot gases pass through your baffles round after round, you see a lot of heat build up. This heat does not vanish—it stays in the metal for a while and rises with each shot you take.
Even a single magazine dump can send your suppressor’s temperature soaring, and when you fire multiple rounds in quick succession, the hot gases keep flowing through the can and build a layer of heat that does not disappear instantly.
If you touch the suppressor right after a fast shooting session, you’ll feel just how serious that heat can get. At this point, a suppressor’s material also plays a part. For instance, steel and titanium suppressors handle heat differently, but both can still get scorching. Titanium may cool down a bit faster, but it also heats up quickly when you push it hard.
But this heat does not mean you lose all the benefits of running a can—you still reduce the crack of each shot and soften your recoil. You also gain better comfort for your ears and those around you.
If you like to hit the range and go through a few boxes of ammo in one sitting, you should pay close attention to the heat factor. You can let your setup cool between magazines or switch to another rifle while the first one rests. You can also track how many rounds you shoot in a short time.
A simple count of rounds can help you gauge when it is time to pause and let your can chill. In normal conditions, most shooters see temperatures around 300 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit if they pace their shots. But, if you dump mag after mag without a break, you can exceed 1000 degrees, and that kind of heat will damage your suppressor and warp certain parts of your rifle. You do not want that.
Can High Heat Make a Suppressor Fail?
Yes, a suppressor can fail if you push it too hard without letting it cool as extreme heat can warp baffles, degrade welds, or damage the outer tube. You can reduce these risks by pacing your shots and choosing a can that fits your shooting style.
Since high heat attacks the core of your suppressor, when you fire in quick bursts, you create a surge of hot gas that flows through the can. Metal parts handle this heat up to some level, but each shot adds more stress and if you burn through multiple magazines without a break, you risk crossing that threshold.
Some signs of trouble are:
- When your suppressor discolors
- The suppressor smokes
- It shows any changes in shape
These red flags mean the material has endured too much heat for too long. You can’t expect even the toughest can to shrug off repeated mag dumps with zero breaks.
Your shooting habits also impact a suppressor’s life. For example, if you like full-auto fire or fast semi-auto strings, you must monitor temperature. Although a single rampage of ammo might not kill your can, doing it over and over can push it toward early failure.
You also protect your investment by checking your can for signs of heat damage after a serious session—like cracks, dents, or strange expansions. If you see anything off, it may need professional inspection before the next range day. You should also remember that a hotter can can soften carbon buildup inside the tube, which sometimes helps with cleaning. However, that benefit doesn’t offset the damage you risk if you never let your suppressor rest.
A suppressor holds up fine under normal use. The trouble comes when you ignore the heat factor and keep blasting away. In that scenario, high heat can make your suppressor fail. But you can avoid that by learning how to pace your shots, cool the can, and following what your manufacturer recommends.
How Long Does it Take to Cool Down a Suppressor?
A suppressor often takes 15 to 30 minutes to cool to a safer handling temperature after moderate shooting. But the exact time is based on your shot count, suppressor’s material, and the surrounding temperature at the range.
You notice a much faster spike in temperature than cooldown because hot gas hits the baffles and tube in seconds, but the metal needs time to shed that heat.
If you fire a few magazines at a fast pace, you might push your can to 600 or 700 degrees Fahrenheit. And, when you stop shooting, that temperature starts to drop—if you shoot outdoors in cool weather, you’ll see a faster drop. If you’re out in the blazing sun, you may face a longer wait.
You can help your suppressor cool by giving it open air and avoiding any contact that traps heat. Also, do not store it in a tight case right after you stop firing because that locks in the heat and extends the cooldown period.
Shooters set their rifle on a rack or bench to let air circulate around the can or switch between firearms so each can has time to shed heat. Some folks also use gloves or covers to handle the suppressor, but that doesn’t always speed cooling—it just protects your hand from burns.
You want to treat your can with the same care as your barrel because heat is a silent killer, and rushing back into rapid fire can keep the temperature high. A few minutes of rest often make a big difference. Most suppressors survive short bursts of high heat without permanent harm, as long as you let them cool before repeating the stress.
Safety Measures of Working With a Suppressor
You should handle a hot suppressor with care as it can reach scorching temperatures after back-to-back shots. High heat can eventually damage metal parts, burn your hand, and cause unpredictable shifts in performance. Here are some safety measures you can follow to stop this damage:
- Always pay attention to how the suppressor feels—if it’s too hot to touch, give it time. This simple step prevents nasty burns and potential damage.
- Shooters can also wear heat-resistant gloves to keep a firm grip on the can. If you get them, make sure they fit well so you don’t lose control of your firearm.
- Pausing between magazines protects your suppressor as a few minutes of rest can save you money on repairs later.
Keep your rifle in a rack or on a bench because enclosed spaces trap heat and slow the cooldown process. - After heavy sessions, look for signs of cracks or warping and do not ignore warning signals that point to bigger problems.
- Heat can change the fit of threaded parts, so do not overtighten it. If you force it when it’s hot, you risk stripping threads or damaging alignment.
- A suppressor cover lowers surface heat, protecting you and your gear. It won’t cool the can faster, but it offers safer handling.
Conclusion
A hot can is part of the game, but you can handle it like a champ. A few habits—like cooling between mags, wearing gloves, and keeping an eye out for damage—go a long way. They’ll help you avoid burns, maintain performance, and keep your gear running strong. So keep shooting, keep it steady, and remember that a cool-down session never hurts anybody.
FAQs
How to cool down a suppressor?
You let it rest in the open air. Place your rifle on a stable surface where air can circulate around the can because heat dissipates faster in a cooler environment. Some shooters switch firearms to give each suppressor a break. Make sure you don’t seal your can in a tight case right after you shoot because that traps heat and slows the cooldown.
Why do people wrap cloth around their suppressors?
They do it to protect hands and gear from direct contact with hot metal. A wrap or cover keeps the surface temperature down so you can handle the rifle. It also reduces mirage when you aim through your scope. However, it won’t actually lower the inner temperature any faster. It simply shields you from burns.
Can you cool off a suppressor with water?
It’s not always recommended because rapid cooling can cause sudden temperature changes that stress the metal or welds. A splash might help if you’re in a pinch, but it’s better to let the suppressor cool naturally.