PEW Science Small Arms Technical Data

This is a placeholder page for publicly available small arms technical data collected by PEW Science staff, for the community. Data on this page may appear elsewhere. All data provided on this page is physically measured and/or quantified by PEW Science staff, unless otherwise noted.

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SIG SAUER MCX 10-in Suppressor Compliant Handguard Heat Mitigation

6.75-in Barrel SIG MCX Rattler LT with 10-in “Suppressor Compliant” Handguard

The Sig Sauer MCX 300 BLK family of weapon systems allows the use of both subsonic (low pressure) and supersonic (high pressure) ammunition. Tucking a silencer under the handguard will result in handguard heating at an elevated rate.

Handguard heating is a function of the following:

Radiation: infrared radiation from the silencer to the handguard (this is the dominant heating mode).
Convection: the air between the silencer and the handguard is heated and transfers this heat to the handguard.
Conduction: heat from the inner surface of the handguard makes it way through the handguard to the operating surface. The silencer also transfers heat to the muzzle device and barrel through conduction which also become radiant and convective heat sources. Finally, the receiver itself transfers heat to the handguard through conduction.

All of the above items are inevitable, over a long enough firing schedule. However, there are ways to slow heat transfer:

Solution A: wrap the silencer in an insulative material (“suppressor wrap” or similar). This reduces radiation to the handguard (1), slows (2), traps heat in the silencer and barrel, slowing part of (3) which accelerates conduction back into the receiver, speeding up part of (3).
Solution B: wrap the outside of the handguard with an insulative material (“suppressor wrap” or similar). This does not address (1) or (2). It only slows the effect of (3). This also increases (2) due to the blocking of vent area.
Solution C: the operator wears gloves (alone, or in combination with Solution A or Solution B). This slows the effect of heat transfer to the operator’s hands, but does not increase efficiency.
Solution D: implement a heat shield (radiant heat barrier) to reflect the heat away from the handguard, combined with a wrap from Solution B. This directly addresses the dominant mode of heating, while slowing (3). Partial vents remaining open may manage (2).

Below is an example of Solution D: an economical, lightweight, small footprint, and efficient way to protect the operator’s hands from radiant heat caused by a silencer tucked under a suppressor-ready or SD handguard.

Materials and Process:

Step 1: Use reflective tape to line the interior of the handguard where the silencer is located.
Step 2: Use basalt impregnated titanium exhaust wrap on the outside of the handguard to insulate the operator’s hands from eventual heat conduction.
Step 3: Use hockey tape to secure the wrap, prevent fiber fray, and to provide a comfortable and secure grip.
Step 4: Use a sharp knife to make room for required accessories installed on the handguard.

Materials Needed for Handguard Heat Mitigation from a Tucked Silencer

Step 1 - Use reflective tape to line the interior of the handguard where the silencer is located.

Step 2 - Use basalt impregnated titanium exhaust wrap on the outside of the handguard to insulate the operator’s hands from eventual heat conduction.

Step 3 - Use hockey tape to secure the wrap, prevent fiber fray, and to provide a comfortable and secure grip.

Step 4 - Use a sharp knife to make room for required accessories installed on the handguard.

SIG SAUER 6.75-in Barrel MCX Virtus TACOPS and Rattler LT Gas System Measurements

Below are two tables of gas system component measurements of the MCX Virtus system performed by PEW Science staff (13-JUN-2025) and the Rattler LT system (17-JUL-2025). Photographs of some of the components of the Virtus system are shown below the tables for visual illustration.

Please use at your own risk. Happy shooting!

Sig Sauer MCX Virtus TACOPS Gas System Measurements

Sig Sauer MCX Rattler LT Gas System Measurements

SIG SAUER MCX Virtus TACOPS 6.75-in 300 BLK Barrel System

Brownells BRN-4 (Heckler and Koch HK416) Gas System Measurements

The following is a table of gas system component measurements performed by PEW Science staff (03-DEC-2022). Photographs of some of the components are shown below the table. Please use at your own risk. Happy building!