When shooting suppressed, one of the best ways to take care of your suppressor is with a cover.  There are several on the market currently, and making a choice depends on what you are looking for in a suppressor cover.  For the last several months I have had the privilege of testing out the latest from Cole-Tac, their High Temperature Python (HTP) suppressor cover, and I must say, it has not disappointed me in the least bit.

When the Coleman family started out, they listened to what the shooting community wanted in a suppressor cover and then built it according to the demand.  They have several covers in their line up that vary slightly depending what your needs are.  All these covers are of exceptional quality in both material and craftsmanship and will take care of most shooters’ needs, however, today we are going to focus on the High Temperature Python (HTP) suppressor cover.  The Cole-Tac family once again listened to the people their products were being used by and they came up with the HTP.  The HTP is rated for up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit to allow shooters to use these covers while doing mag dumps as fast as they can pull the trigger, or if your fortunate enough, to use on full auto firearms.  The HTP cover is a multi layer cover and comes fitted to your suppressor.  There is a silicon sleeve that is molded to the exact diameter and length of you suppressor.  This is what allows the HTP to withstand such high temps.  The outer cover is a dual layer cover with an inner liner handling up to 1800 degrees.  The outer shell is a woven canvas.  Metal buckles, Cole-Tac’s boa straps, and Velcro all work together to secure the cover and make the fit as tight as possible.  There are 3 straps that you use to tighten the cover to your suppressor.  These straps are what keep the cover from slipping up or down while you shoot.  The overall craftsmanship is superb.  From the quality of the canvas and straps to the double stitching that will hold up to all environments and allow for years of use.  Even the thread is fire resistant.  These covers are also water-resistant and will hold up against fading, abrasions, rot, and mildew.

This quality is one of the biggest reasons I went to Cole-Tac for a suppressor cover.  I have had this cover for just under a year and the HTP still looks as good as it did the day I received it.  It has held up in all-weather conditions that I have hunted in, as well as all terrain.  While walking around and hunting in South Texas there are mesquite trees that will ruin a good pair of blue jeans just by standing next to it.  This cover has been snagged on every thorn and branch that I could throw at it and it has yet to show signs of abrasions, tears, or impending fail points.

Back in November, fellow staffer Jason Hallmark and myself went on an Elk hunt in Colorado.  We hiked through the mountains and thick Aspen groves for 10 days.  Jason didn’t have a cover on his suppressor and I watched as tree after tree scratched his suppressor over and over.  Now while some people believe that scratches are good sign of field use, some still like to keep things as nice as possible for as long as possible.  I know that while I watched his getting torn up, I remained confident that my suppressor was safe even though the branches kept catching and pulling on my HTP cover, it held up and my suppressor still looks like it did before we left.

As I mentioned before, another advantage of using suppressor covers is for mirage mitigation.  This was most noticeable for me as I confirmed zero on all our rifles before going to Colorado.  In the process of shooting, I noticed that when shooting suppressors that didn’t have the cover, after as few as 5 shots, the mirage lines coming off the heat of the suppressor were enough to distort the target, making it more difficult to get a good sight picture.  While shooting with the HTP cover on, there were absolutely no mirage lines and it was easier to stay on target.  The difference was astounding.

The only feature of the HTP I didn’t get to test was the full auto capability.  My suppressor is not rated for rapid fire so I was not able to perform mag dumps with it.  I do have a few friends who have used them on full auto firearms and have been amazed at how well the HTP performs  compared to some of the competition.

The Pros of the Cole-Tac HTP go on and on.  I have been very impressed with it as well as with the company itself.  It is a small family run business with its products made here in the USA.  The customer service is top-notch.  They are always quick to respond to any questions, comments, or concerns, and have done so for me well after their normal business hours.  They are extremely customer oriented.

The only negative thing I can say about the HTP, is that it is specific to your suppressor.  When you order, you give the diameter and length of your suppressor and they make it accordingly. While this is a con because it limits what other suppressors you can use it on, it is also a pro, because this fitment system is what allows it to stay on so securely and not come off while shooting.  Also, the outer shell can be used separately without the molded heat liner.  This will allow you to expand what it will fit on if you are needing a cover for mirage control or to protect the finish.  Just remember it won’t have that high temp rating without the molded liner though.

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Beau Durham

I grew up learning to shoot at an early age, and my love for the sport has grown exponentially with me. Currently I am a Paramedic for large and very busy City. My down time affords me the opportunity to pursue my passion of guns.

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