Suppressors improve the safety of shooting sports, can improve weapon accuracy, and are just awesome to have.
Choosing the suppressor that is right for you can feel stressful with the added weight of a tax stamp and federal regulation that goes into it.
But that’s why you have us!
We’ve taken a look at a lot of the major suppressors on the market built for .223/5.56 and will give you our top picks and recommendations to take some of the stress off of you.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Best .30 MulticalEverything from .17 rimfire through .300 Weatherby that's modular and serviceable.
Used by SOCOMMitigate gas, flash, and concussive force...at the expense of the best sound suppression.
Table of Contents
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The NFA, Suppressors, and You
A lot of people miss the good old days.
Take 1934 for example, gas was only 19 cents! The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series and the Three Stooges released their first short.
Oh, and the National Firearms Act was passed and signed into law.
We’ve had a few significant changes since 1934.
One example is the value of $200 dollars.
In 1934 that was a lot of money for a suppressor tax stamp and this restricted the ownership of these items to the rich ($200 in 1934 had the buying power of $3,800 today).
Two hundred dollars these days isn’t pocket change, but its a lot more affordable now than it was in 1934.
With the cost of a stamp being so low, NFA items have increased in popularity. None more so than the suppressor, at least in terms of purchasing a new NFA item.
Getting a stamp and everything is relatively easy, and we recommend doing it through a gun trust. Check out the $79 option through GunTrustGuru hosted on Capitol Armory (one of our fav places to buy suppressors). No notary needed!
Without further ado…we’re going to be looking at two flavors of suppressors…one specific for the AR-15 5.56 caliber…and also multi-caliber suppressors that can be used from everything rimfire through .30 cal.
Most will gravitate towards the .30 multi-caliber ones since they can be used on multiple guns.
Testing Procedure
Want some semi-scientific data? We brought all the listed suppressors out to the range and hooked up a Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT-QPR sound-level reader.
For this article, we used a Daniel Defense MK18 full-auto utilizing Wolf Gold 5.56 ammo.
Here’s a baseline video and measurement.
Best AR-15 Suppressors
1. Silencer Central Banish 30, Banish 223, & Banish 46
Why only suppress your 5.56 when you can suppress from .17 all the way up to .300 Weatherby?
Check out Silencer Central’s Banish 30 multi-caliber and fully modular system that does just that.
And go with a place where you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to do all the paperwork, get $99 barrel threading, a free NFA trust, AND EZ-Pay layaway.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our full review of the Banish 30, plus our video.
Oh yea…if our seal of approval wasn’t enough…it won Guns & Ammo’s Silencer of the Year for 2021.
It’s direct thread but Silencer Central also has their Banish 30 Gold model which is quick disconnect with flash hider and compensator muzzle devices.
Manufacturer Specs (Banish 30):
- Decibel Rating: 34 dB reduction
- Rating: .17 to .300 Weatherby
- Weight: 10 oz (7″) or 13 oz (9″)
- Diameter: 1.5″
- Length: 7″or 9″
- Construction: Titanium
- Mount: direct thread
Here’s how the Banish 30 Gold shoots:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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But if you’re looking for only .223/5.56 they also have their pure .223 model. But I’d suggest saving up that extra hundred books to get their regular Banish 30 model.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Need some more cool guy footage? Check our full video review (or written one) of the Daniel Defense MK18 where we shot over 1000 full-auto suppressed rounds. Things got dirty…but still went strong.
And their newest offering if you want one can to rule them all…the Banish 46.
It’s a chunky boi but take off the modular front-end and it’s not too bad on an AR.
Plus you’re pretty much good until you hit the .50 BMG rifles.
See our full review of the Banish 46 here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your take on the Banish line?
2. SilencerCo Omega 300
The Omega 300 is probably the most popular suppressor…with an estimated 100k+ units in the wild.
And it’s popular because it’s full-auto rated from 5.7 to .300 Win Mag.
It’s easy to fix, durable, and there’s different endcaps you can get for different calibers.
Plus when they say full-auto rated…it’s real. M16s mag after mag will not destroy the Omega 300.
It’s also Bravo threaded so you’ll have your pick of easy to find muzzle devices to quick disconnect.
As for weight…it’s in the middle. Not too heavy but not too light either.
The perfect Goldilocks rifle suppressor that will take all kinds of calibers and abuse.
Here it is in action:
Manufacturer Specs:
- Decibel Rating: 130.1 dB (5.56)
- Rating: 5.7mm to 300 Win Mag
- Weight: 14oz
- Diameter: 1.56″
- Length: 7.09″
- Construction: Titanium + Cobalt 6 + Stainless Steel
- Mount: Bravo threaded
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Surefire SOCOM556 RC2
We’re back at a pure 5.56 suppressor with an impressive pedigree.
The original Surefire 556 RC and 762 RC suppressors were both tested and approved for use by the United States Special Operations Command, aka SOCOM.
Surefire, of course…will sell them to you too.
And now they have the SOCOM556 RC2 which is new and improved.
Surefire suppressors are like their lights, exceptionally well made, durable, and reliable. And always make our list of Best AR-15 Lights.
These cans were initially chosen for the M4 and MK18 series of rifles. These guns are designed to be light and short for use in vehicles and buildings.
The SOCOM556 RC2 model adds 4 inches to the gun and is QD for Surefire’s flash hider and suppressor adapter. This system effectively conceals both sound and flash, a demand made by SOCOM.
Additionally, the SOCOM556 has internal venting to reduce back pressure, and this means less gas to the face. If you shoot ARs a lot with a can you get used that gas is hitting your face and know it’s not super pleasant.
The SOCOM can reduce that, but of course, can’t completely get rid of it.
However, it’s not all gravy since the main purpose of the suppressor was to mitigate gas, flash, and concussive force…at the expense of the best sound suppression.
So I’d still recommend having some sort of ear protection.
Plus…if you’re in a pinch and need to cool it out…you can pour water (or pee) onto it.
The clone market is growing, and guns like the MK18 are constantly being cloned by builders who scrutinize every single part. The SOCOM556 RC2 is the perfect way to top a cloned MK18.
It’s not a reproduction in any way, and it’s the real freakin’ thing.
Manufacturer Specs:
- Weight: 17oz
- Diameter: 1.5″
- Length: 6.4″
- Construction: High-Temp Alloy + Stainless Steel
- Mount: Surefire mounts
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want a shorty version? Check out the SOCOM556 RC2 Mini and SB2 (short-barrel under 10″).
4. Dead Air Sandman S
We’re back with another popular multi-cal from another top tier suppressor manufacturer.
Enter…the Dead Air Sandman S.
It’s heavier than some other suppressors but are super durable.
The only drawback is that it has its own proprietary mount…the Keymo.
However, there’s still adapters for everything and also different endcaps.
Fully welded as well…you hardly need to do any service to this bad boy regardless of the rounds you put through.
See if you can tell that it’s a little bit louder than the others…but there’s noticeably less blowback.
Manufacturer Specs:
- Rating: 5.56, 300BLK, 7.62, up to 300 Win Mag
- Weight: 17.7oz
- Diameter: 1.5″
- Length: 6.8″
- Construction: Stellite + Inconel
- Mount: Dead Air KeyMount
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. YHM Turbo T2
Looking to save a few bucks…but still get a great 5.56 suppressor?
Check out Yankee Hill Machine (YHM)’s Turbo T2 that comes in at a nice $400-500 range.
YHM names their 5.56 line Turbo with the T2, meaning the 2nd (and latest) generation.
Along with their 7.62 line (Resonator)…YHM suppressors are maybe not as quiet as other more expensive options, but they are full-auto rated and still hearing safe.
Plus, you have quick detach muzzle device options. With myself preferring a flash hider for 5.56 and a compensator for 7.62 rifles.
Here it is in action:
Manufacturer Specs (Turbo T2):
- Decibel Rating: 134 dB
- Weight: 12.8oz (with adapter)
- Diameter: 1.56″
- Length: 5.59″ (6.5″ with adapter)
- Construction: Stainless steel + Inconel
- Mount: QD to YHM-5M2 and YHM-3102 mounts
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. SilencerCo Saker ASR 556
Want to run a super-shorty AR and not chance messing up your blast baffles?
The Saker ASR 556 is the perfect suppressor for under 8″ barrels.
It’s fully welded, full-auto rated (even at the shorty lengths), and can attach different endcaps. Plus Charlie threaded for a good amount of aftermarket muzzle device support.
However…it’s a little gassier than others.
Manufacturer Specs:
- Decibel Rating: 134 dB
- Weight: 16.7 oz
- Diameter: 1.5″
- Length: 7.33″
- Construction: Cobalt 6 + Stainless Steel
- Mount: Charlie threaded
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. SilencerCo Omega 36M
We’re saving the most versatile suppressor for last. The SilencerCo Omega 36M is rated from .22 Hornet to .338 Lapua Mag.
That means one suppressor to cover rimfire, 9mm, 5.56, .308, and even some bigger rounds.
With being so versatile there’s some caveats…you can only go down to 10″ barrels for 5.56, 16″ for .308, and 20″ for .300 Win Mag and Lapua Mag.
And you might have to work out a little bit more to account for the extra weight.
Although you can also run it in short mode if wanted…especially for pistols.
And SMGs? It’s practically made for them.
Oh yea…it also won Silencer of the Year for a few years.
Manufacturer Specs:
- Decibel Rating: 128.9 dB and up
- Weight: 9.2 or 16.5 oz
- Diameter: 1.57″
- Length: 5.1″ or 7.6″
- Construction: Cobalt 6 + Inconel + Titanium
- Mount: Charlie threaded
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
Shooting a suppressed gun is a blast.
Especially if you start getting short with barrels and whatnot. A suppressor not only reduces noise but tames recoil and muzzle rise as well. This makes shooting so much more comfortable.
Hopefully, we gave you a good taste of the best 5.56 (and multi-cal) suppressors out there.
What are your feelings on suppressors? Your favorite 5.56/223 cans? Let us know in the comments! Not sure where to buy one…check out Best Places Online & Off to Buy Suppressors.
32 Leave a Reply
After buying 5 suppressors and learning a lot about them for the last few years: word of advice…22lr is best caliber to suppress but you must buy a dedicated 22lr suppressor since it is so dirty and you must clean it, do not shoot 22lr through center fire rifle caliber suppressors as many are not meant to be taken apart nor cleaned nor will they need to if you don’t shoot 22lr through them. All other calibers besides 22lr for suppressors you still have to wear hearing protection due to sonic crack as bullets travel supersonic and will ruin your hearing unless you wear hearing protection…so why bother with a suppressor? Because all of those calibers will continuously erode your hearing the more you shoot even when wearing hearing protection unless you use suppressors
The reason is simple. Suppressors are more for actual use rather than training purposes.
A short AR-15 is a great closer quarter combat weapon. You know what is an advantage in a close quarter combat situation? Being able to hear (not having to wear hearing protection). If you want to use an AR-15 without destroying your hearing the suppressor may really be able to take the edge off. Short barrel AR-15s with suppressors are going to be at least 30 db quieter than 16 inch ARs without suppressors. You might still damage your hearing with the suppressed AR, but you're not going to rupture your eardrums either!
Now as to your proposal of the 22lr, this is great for fun or training but terrible for combat. It will be outclassed by any barrel length 5.56 in terms of effective range, and lack of bullet drop. It will be massively outclassed by 5.56 in terms of energy on target and effective stopping power.
I'm late to this article party, but I recommend pewscience for the latest on suppressor test data, and then to the "Rankings" page. Most of the offerings on this page (above) are rated. Spend some time at pewscience and learn about their test methods for measuring subjective "loudness", at the muzzle and at the ear. To measure First Round Pop (FRP). To learn about their method of testing and ranking backpressure, and why you should care if mounting to a Full or Semi Auto. My only disappointment with their data was they did not give a method for choosing the mounting system in the ratings selection page. Modular mounting adaptors matter to me, Im done with choosing a new can based on my current mount device. My .02: Choose Omega / Bravo mount systems (1.375" x 24) if you can.
I've tried the rest and Q's are the best
I just bought my first can(an OSS Helix 5.56K, still in NFA prison), and have heard multiple people(including Tim from Military Arms Channel say they are his favorite silencers. Any thoughts on those, or reason they didn't make the cut? I shoot long guns lefty so the less back pressure(and thus the less gas in my face) the better.
Also, do you(or anyone else) have experience with the 3D printed Delta P Need is cans? I'd really like one of those for my HD gun, but I'm concerned about the simple direct thread only way it attatches(unless I perhaps rocksett it or something, which I don't really want to do), the high price, and the fact that the manufacturer saus(or at least used to say) that the life of the silencer is about the same as the life of a barrel. I don't know how many rounds they consider this to be for a 16" 5.56 AR, but it seems like a lot of money for something that won't last. I imagine this is not a normal industry standard, as I've never heard any manufacturer say something like this about their cans. I also wonder what actually happens when the can "fails".
Probably because they have to been rigorously and don't do a very good job at reducing sound...
*have to be Cleaned rigorously
CGS makes excellent products. I own one and thoroughly satisfied with the level of suppression and overall quality.
You've thrown around Bravo thread and Charlie thread with no attempt at defining those terms. I have maybe 25 cans from different makers (including several Delta P Brevis II cans, not mentioned, though easily the best on size and weight, if you can find one), some direct thread some not, so I have a lot of experience with cans, I've done a lot of research, and I've never heard those terms. And google isn't helping.
I find it very hard to believe you have 25 suppressors and are expirenced with them and don't even know what bravo threads are....
Agreed! There's always "that" guy who is all about impressing everyone with BS
Why no love for Griffin Armament Recce 7? :(
No love for the Silencerco Hybrid46? Interesting...
Newly updated!
I’d put Dead Air above all you’ve rated in this article. Please take a look at their quality next review.
When you say quality do you mean the fact that they have far less decibel reduction than nearly all comparable sized cans?
You gave db for SOME - give up the data!
Do you have one that will fit my DB15 Diamondback .223 and what is the cost?
This article contains quite a bit of useful information, and would be 100x more useful if it stated the amount of suppression for each device, using the same standard (e.g., state the dB level for them all, or state the dB reduction for them all - so they are comparable).
Db leaves will vary by type of ammo based on FPS, and on the length of the barrel effecting FPS. Not to mention the bullet weight it’s self will effect the FPS.
the article states AR with 16" barrel, yada yada. his comment was valid. he said use the same standard for all the silencers. it's not that complicated
Surprising you didn't list YHM turbo. Staple of affordable cans!
Second this, YHM Resonator and Turbo (K) are both G2G.
Have you heard of Rebel silencers? I have a bud that has a few of them. He said they are pretty decent. any thoughts?
Haven't encountered them yet, sorry.
Yup , Veterten Owned they make a 1/2 dozen models--VERY REASONABLE PRICES. Surprisingly quiet and great build quality.
Their website states they are no longer taking any more orders as they have lost their FFL license.
thoughts on the energetic arma.. vox?
If you are looking for a can for your 5.56 AR, you might want to look at a 30cal can for your fist gun muffler. That way, you can also shoot 300BLK, 6.8Spc, 6.5g, 224Valk, etc. in your standard AR platform, 308 in your AR10 or bolt gun, etc. Some 30cal cans perform excellently with 5.56 and the proper end cap with a lot of flexibility added in.
Excellent point! Thanks!
+1
I just bought my first 5.56, after having three 7.62s. Same applies to .45 over 9mm for pistol cans
Great idea, I got a 30 works fine on the 556,