Suppressors are practically made for .22 rimfire guns.
If you want to get as close to “movie suppressor” quiet…you’ll want to suppress a .22LR gun. It gets to the point where the bolt cycling might be louder than the actual bullet.
Overall, the rimfire suppressor market is pretty similar and you can’t really go wrong with any well-known can.
But we’ve done the legwork of testing with a decibel meter and shooting them for almost a year afterward for our more subjective experiences.
I’ll quickly go over the basics of getting a suppressor, how we tested, and then dive into the best choices for a .22 rimfire suppressor.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick .22LR Suppressor
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Easiest .22LR Suppressor
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Best Flow-Through .22LR Suppressor
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Best Budget .22LR Rimfire Suppressor
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Best Modular .22LR Rimfire Suppressor
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Best Precision .22LR Rimfire Suppressor
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All Around Great .22LR Suppressor
Table of Contents
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Suppressor Comparison Chart
| Rating | Weight | Length | Diameter | Mount | Self-Serviceable | Full-Auto Rated | |
| Dead Air Mask | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 6.6 oz | 5.1″ | 1.07″ | Direct | Yes | Yes |
| Silencer Central Banish 22 | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 4.1 oz | 5.375″ | 1.0″ | Direct | Yes | Yes |
| HUXWRX Flow 22 Ti | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 3.9 oz | 5.53″ | 1.06″ | Direct | No | Yes |
| SilencerCo Sparrow | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 6.5 oz | 5.08″ | 1.06″ | Direct | Yes | .22LR |
| SilencerCo Switchback | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 6.5 oz | 5.75″ | 1.07″ | Direct | Yes | Yes |
| Thunder Beast 22 Take Down | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 4.8 oz | 4.8″ | .99″ | Direct | Yes | .22LR |
| Otter Creek Titanium 22 | .17 HMR to 5.7×28 | 4.0 oz | 5.18″ | – | Direct | Yes | .22LR |
The National Firearms Act (NFA) and You
We have the complete guide to the NFA, but the gist is that in 1934 the government enacted a $200 tax stamp for items such as suppressors which is over $3000 in today’s money.
The good news…starting January 1, 2026 the $200 tax stamp will become $0.
Getting a stamp is easy, but you want to do it through a gun trust and not under your individual name.
I’ve personally used the $79 option through GunTrustGuru and hosted on Capitol Armory, which is one of our go-to’s for buying suppressors online. And you don’t need a notary to set it up, either.
Then…you just wait, and you’ll be granted the ability to pick up your suppressor or get it shipped to your door.
How We Tested .22LR Suppressors
We consulted with Capitol Armory, the largest NFA dealer in the U.S. and also licensed in all 42 suppressor-friendly states, for their proven best-performing and crowd-favorite rimfire cans.
Then, we took it out to the range for some scientific and qualitative data collection.
For decibel reading, we used a Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT-QPR sound-level reader.
For all our calibers of suppressor testing that day we placed the mic perpendicular to the muzzle and 6 feet away.
We then measured its LZpeak decibel reading, which is best for short impulses like gunshots.
We used a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 as the host pistol and SK Pistol Match 40gr sub-sonic ammo rated to 938 ft/sec at muzzle.
We used new or near new suppressors to minimize build-up since some models have been shot for years.
No previous shots were taken so we could check for first-round pop (FRP), a louder initial shot that’s caused by the existing oxygen inside the suppressor igniting.
We also took a baseline video and measurement at 154.1 dB which is above hearing-safe levels, even when the ammo was subsonic.
We then shot at least 2 full magazines suppressed with and without ear protection for a more subjective analysis.
We also kept testing the various cans throughout a year for more long-term experience.
Best .22LR Rimfire Suppressors
1. Dead Air Mask – Editor’s Pick .22LR Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Proven through the years
- Very low first round pop
- Full-auto rated
- Self-serviceable
- ~117 dB sound level
Cons
- Heaviest of the group
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 117.0 dB, 117.5 dB, 116.8 dB
- Rating: .17 HMR to 5.7×28
- Weight: 6.6oz
- Diameter: 1.07″
- Length: 5.1″
- Construction: Titanium and Stainless Steel
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
One of our perennial favorites is the Dead Air Mask and during this latest round of testing we’re crowing it our Editor’s Pick.
This ancient one has seen a lot and confirms that it can take abuse and it’s full-auto rated…for real.
It’s also self-serviceable so you don’t have to worry about all the carbon buildup on the baffles slowing you down.
And has a very low first-round pop because of its unique baffle system. And the average is a great 117.1 dB that didn’t require any ear pro after testing.
Size is comparable to the competition but it is the heaviest one in the group by a little bit. However, even on a .22LR pistol you can’t tell the difference.
Pricing is also similar to the other top contenders at around $450. Remember to add in the $200 stamp until 2026.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty .22LR can that’s withstood the test of time and with very low first-round pop…check out the Dead Air Mask.
2. Silencer Central Banish 22 – Easiest .22LR Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Ship to your door
- Under 117 dB
- Self-serviceable
- Free stamp promo
Cons
- Some first-round pop
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 119.5 dB, 116.7 dB, 116.9 dB
- Rating: .17 HMR to 5.7×28
- Weight: 4.1oz
- Diameter: 1″
- Length: 5.375″
- Construction: Titanium
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
We’re big fans of Silencer Central cans since they make it so easy to purchase online and then get your silencer delivered to your doorstep.
How?
Remember that license part I said above…they have it for all the ~42 states that allow suppressors.
And right now they have a free tax stamp promo so the price $549 is what you pay and brings it down to nearly the most affordable of the bunch.
So how does the Banish 22 fare?
It has a mild first-round pop but settles in just under 117 dB which made it hearing safe for us.
It’s also super light being made of titanium and full-auto rated.
Another good thing for shooting dirty rimfire rounds is the ability to be taken apart and serviced.
Even when I’ve only shot 100 rounds and taken off the suppressor it drops out carbon flakes. I take out the baffles and throw it into an ultrasonic cleaner every 500-1000 rounds and it’s GTG.
If you’re looking for a super effective and easy-to-purchase .22 suppressor…check out the Banish 22.
What’s your take on the Banish 22? Rate it below!
3. HUXWRX Flow 22 Ti – Best Flow-Through Rimfire Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Gas flow-through
- Lightest
Cons
- Not self-serviceable
- First-round pop
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 122.6 dB, 115.5 dB, 117.9 dB
- Rating: .22LR to 5.7×28
- Weight: 3.9oz
- Diameter: 1.06”
- Length: 5.53”
- Construction: Titanium
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
We love HUXWRX 5.56 flow-through cans since that caliber in short ARs is extra gassy. See Best AR-15 Suppressors.
Rimfire generally isn’t too bad but it’s still good to have excess gas filled with lead be expelled to the front. Plus it makes the gun internals slightly easier to clean.
How does it sound?
There’s definitely some first-round pop at 122.6 dB but it settles down nicely in the 115-118 dB region.
Although it makes your gun easier to clean, the can itself is not user-serviceable so you’ll have to go the soaking route with something like Breakthrough Suppressor Cleaner.
Pricing is also a little cheaper than the Mask before stamps which makes it a good choice if you’re going to be shooting a lot and want to cut down on inhaled gasses.
4. SilencerCo Sparrow – Best Budget Rimfire Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Time proven
- Most affordable
- .22LR full-auto rated
Cons
- Large first-round pop
- ~119 dB results
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 131.0 dB, 121.6 dB, 118.6 dB
- Rating: .17 HMR to 5.7×28
- Weight: 6.5oz
- Diameter: 1.06″
- Length: 5.08″
- Construction: Stainless Steel
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: .22LR Yes
This is the one you know that would make the list of best .22 suppressors. The SilencerCo Sparrow.
While the other options used baffle systems inside…the Sparrow uses a monocore that looks like a pipe with cut-out designs.
This makes it ridiculously easy to service…and also lowers its production cost so you can pick on up for around $329. Remember the $200 tax stamp until 2026 though.
It has the highest first-round pop at 131.0 dB but drops down to around the 119 dB level for follow-up shots. Unfortunately, the highest of our batch.
Another downside is that it’s only full-auto rated for .22LR…but I think for 99% of people it won’t matter.
Once the free-tax stamp kicks in this will once again reign supreme for being the most affordable. But for the next few months you’re better off with the Silencer Central Banish 22 for all-in pricing.
5. SilencerCo Switchback – Best Modular Rimfire Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Can change length
- Pistol/Rifle optimization
- ~116 dB level after pop
Cons
- Large first-round pop
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak), Full Config: 124.5 dB, 115.1 dB, 116.5 dB
- Rating: .17 HMR to 5.7×28
- Weight: 3.2-6.5oz
- Diameter: 1.07″
- Length: 2.5-5.75″
- Construction: Titanium and Stainless Steel
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
Enter the Switchback.
It also allows modular user configurations based on application.
And if you look carefully…you’ll see the right-side baffles are switched for the “rifle optimized” length. Hence its name…mind blown.
The shortest config makes it just above hearing safe with a pistol…but if length really matters it’s a great system.
And how does it shoot?
There’s a loud first-round pop of 124.5 dB but then it gives us the best suppression of around 116 dB afterwards. We can shoot this all-day without ear pro easily.
If you’re looking for a modular can that gives you different lengths and can be optimized for both pistol/rifle…check out the Switchback.
6. Thunder Beast 22 Take Down – Best Precision Rimfire Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Most accurate
- Quietest after FRP
Cons
- Large first round pop
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 124.3 dB, 112.6 dB, 113.3 dB
- Rating: .22LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, 5.7×28
- Weight: 4.8oz
- Diameter: .99”
- Length: 4.8”
- Construction: Titanium & Stainless Steel
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: .22LR Yes
Thunder Beast Arms Corp (TBAC) is known for suppressors that are ultra quiet and keep your shots on target.
Although it had a large first-round pop of 124.3 dB, the rest of the shots were the lowest we’ve seen at around 113 dB.
It gets even better on precision guns like our Tikka T1x where this can finds its forever home.
It’s weight and size are par for the course and it’s self-serviceable and full-auto capable for .22LR.
But the main reason you get this is for your dedicated precision rifle where you want to minimize point of impact shift as you shoot.
The ultra-quiet is an added bonus.
7. Otter Creek Labs Titanium 22 – All Around Great .22LR Suppressor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lightweight
- Decent suppression
Cons
- Some first-round pop
- Better for pistols
Manufacturer Specs:
- Tested Readings (LZpeak): 125.9 dB, 117.2 dB, 118.0 dB
- Rating: .22LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, 5.7×28
- Weight: 4oz
- Length: 5.18”
- Construction: Titanium
- Mount: direct thread
- Self-serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: .22LR yes
This is where testing rimfire cans gets tough…the OCL Titanium 22 is an objectively good can that has decent suppression, some FRP, is lightweight, and self-serviceable.
We’ve found that it sounds better on pistols compared to rifles where almost all cans do great.
It does get some brownie points for being fully titanium instead of using aluminum baffles.
We found some FRP before it settled into a decent ~118 dB range.
Overall a really popular can that does everything pretty well.
Final Thoughts
Shooting a suppressed gun is a serious blast. These nifty devices not only reduce noise but tame recoil and muzzle rise as well. This makes shooting so much more comfortable.
Hopefully we gave you a good taste of the best .22 LR suppressors out there.
Check out our other tested suppressor articles:
What are your feelings on suppressors? Let us know in the comments! Not sure where to buy one…check out Best Places Online & Off to Buy Suppressors.
22 Leave a Reply
Overall, I love what you guys do, but in this case you "dB level testing" is flawed.
I am an acoustic engineer and have worked with several suppressor companies over the years on how to test, equipment to use, etc.
I'm going to make some assumptions since you did not tell how you tested and I'm sure that most readers don't really care. Most want a good number to compare with. I simply want to make certain that you using a rigorous testing method in order to achieve and accurate comparison between each suppressor recorded. I don't want to be offensive, but your setup does not appear to be ideal from what I can tell from the pictures. I could be missing a lot since I am having to make assumptions. The one thing that really stands out are the levels. I agree that .22LR can be reduced so that you can hear the action of the pistol. The levels you reported are FAR higher than the sound the action makes. I am sure this was due to microphone placement and the pressure wave produce with the shot.
First, it appears that you are using a sound level meter and that is not a bad thing at all. Also, you are recording sound pressure, and sound pressure is very dependant on the distance the mic is from the sound source. I would have preferred to see the microphone close to the shooter's ear. This will give you a better idea of the sound pressure that a shooter perceives with each shot. I'm sure that this is why the levels recorded were higher than I would expect.
Also, and most importantly, the source of the sound, the end of the barrel or suppressor in this case MUST be the exact same distance from the mic with each test A small change in position (inches or less) can have a very large affect either increasing or decreasing the record sound level. I saw a lot of variation in the pictures.
I cannot tell from the pictures but highly specialized mics need to be used to record such intense transient event (such as a gun shot). These are not typical and are usually on the small side. I cannot tell what type of mic that you used. Also, they are very expensive often costing more than the sound level meter. I trust that you used the correct mic.
I'll assume that you had it the meter set to to record the peak level of each shot, not the entire event from the time you started each test to the time you stopped. If not, results could vary wildly as most meters are set up to record an average sound pressure.
Finally you gave the results in dBZ. Normally since you are recording an event that deals with human perception, you would use A-weighting (bBA). A-weighting reduces the extreme high and low frequencies and better simulates how we hear sounds based on the shape of our ears and head. Z-weighting is essentially no weighting and makes no allowances for how we perceive sound.
I am not trying pick apart your testing or sound superior in any way. I simply am trying to inform and allow you to test in the best way possible. I enjoy the work you do and appreciate your typical comparison testing.
Should consideration have been given to the Surefire RC series? The 300 SPS performs really well. Not flashy cans but rugged and reliable with great accuracy retention. The Fast Attach collar works well and with a bit of practice you can mount the suppressor with one hand. Additionally, the collar inhibits the suppressor from working loose during sustained operation. Just my observations.
You can get your stamp and make your own you have to number it though . 1-3/4 exhaust tubing and freeze plugs to fit machine the adapter welding skills your good to go at the price of materials there is a very good book on making them .
The Shaw Armament Minibeast 22LR outperforms the Sparrow hands down.
Really? just ignore the Rugged or Otter Creek?
We only recommend what we test and if it's not on the list, we probably haven't had the chance to test it. But we are expanding our suppressor tests this year and trying to get more in hand!
I would have preferred you using the same gun for each of the different suppressor. As it is, I'm not sure if the barrel length and action would, or could, influence the decibel reading. I'm not trolling, but rather just making an observation.
Disappointed you only listed 4 and all in the higher price range for 22 Rimfire silencers. Was also hoping for some info on the dB performance of the Dead Air Mask but you only mentioned low first-round pop. How does it suppress nominally? Looking forward to additional future reviews.
If you watch the video for the Dead Air Mask, you'll see that the first round pop is about 122db, all subsequent rounds are 111db.
The first one you called a Ruger buck Mark
Can you use a 5.56 suppressor for 22lr or vice versa? Thank you.
hi, apologies for dumb question, but I'm not sure I understand the purpose of a gun trust. possible to explain?
thanks
Hi Steven, it looks like no one has answered your question. The short answer is that without the trust, you are the only one who can have and use the NFA item. A trust makes it possible for others, say your wife or adult child, to be named as trustees. They can then have access legally to whatever the trust owns. Trusts also designate what happens to the assets upon the demise of the Grantor. Look up John Pierce Esq. on the interwebs for more info. IANAL, but he is, and he specializes in firearm law. He's in Virginia, so there may be some differences if you're in another state, but he's pretty knowledgeable and explains things well.
Really disappointed that some other .22 suppressors weren't given a trial and any ratings by your guys. I would have love to have seen how the Erector or El Camino from Q, the CGS Hydra , and the GemTech .22 would have fared. Also i think it might be good to not only to try them on a pistol, but also something like an M&P 15-22 as well so we can see how they would perform on a rifle platform
We're always testing and updating...stay tuned!
I wholeheartedly agree! Is everyone getting kickbacks for mentioning Banish suppressors?
They are the best because of the full titanium build. And super durable and very quite
It would've been cool t oget some readings with subsonic 22LR. dB in the 80s?
River doesn’t make the Buckmark, Browning makes the Buckmark.
Exactly!!!
Dang, I was hoping this would be a huge review with a dozen or more suppressors. Any chance y'all could tag team with a dealer that has a big inventory?
Browning makes the Buckmark, not Ruger - but you knew that.