.22lr (.22 long rifle) is the most common ammunition in the world, and .22lr firearms are some of the most common guns in America. With an estimated 10 BILLION cartridges produced since its inception in the late 1800’s, there is a good chance you have a 22-caliber rifle or pistol sitting in your gun safe right now.
These firearms make some of the best suppressor hosts and are a great entry point into the world of NFA (National Firearms Act) items. If you have been on the fence about adding a suppressor to your gun safe or have been thinking about how to get involved with silencers, one of the .22s in your safe might make the perfect platform to start with.
We're often asked by customers, "Why suppress a 22?" There are a handful of reasons why a suppressed 22 might make sense for you:
- 22LR is cheap to shoot and easy to find on shelves.
- Most 22LR ammunition is subsonic, making it excellent for suppressors.
- Rimfire suppressors are typically inexpensive compared to centerfire.
- Suppressed 22 pistols are excellent training analogs.
- You can achieve "Hollywood quiet" results.
Table of Contents
What is the Best 22 Pistol to Suppress?
Ruger MKIV SSH
Our own collaboration with Ruger, the Mark IV 22/45 SSH is, if we do say so ourselves, one of the finest suppressed .22LR pistols available. Of course, that should be no surprise since it combines our expertise in putting suppressors on things with Ruger’s incredible manufacturing and design abilities.
Our collaboration with Ruger produced a meticulously engineered firearm that provides unparalleled performance and user experience. The Mark IV 22/45 SSH features an integrally suppressed barrel, ensuring that the barrel and suppressor maintain near-perfect alignment and stability for the best possible performance at the ideal barrel length.
Of course, we chose the Mark IV in part because it features a blowback action to minimize gas escape. The pistol's ergonomic grip, adjustable sights, and user-friendly controls put the finishing touches on this comfortable, easy-to-shoot pistol. We’re extremely proud to present this fine firearm to our community, and we’re gratified at the positive reception its been given.
Walther P22
Like the Buck Mark, the Walther P22 is built on a blowback action to minimize gas escape. The pistol's ergonomic grip and lightweight polymer frame mitigate fatigue and allow for generally more comfortable shooting, even over long shooting sessions.
The P22's maneuverability and small frame make it an excellent choice for a wide range of uses, including recreational shooting, training, and pest control, where suppressed operation is desired for reduced noise signature without compromising on accuracy or handling.
Glock 44
The Glock 44's innovative hybrid blowback/short-recoil action not only enhances reliability but also minimizes gas escape during firing, making it inherently well-suited for suppressed applications. This reduces both noise and felt recoil when the pistol is paired with a suppressor.
Plus, the pistol's familiar Glock ergonomics and lightweight polymer frame provide excellent handling that will already be second nature to Glock users.
Taurus Tx22
The TX22 is yet another option with a blowback-operated action and is specifically engineered for suppressed use, effectively minimizing gas escape as well as reducing both noise and felt recoil.
This efficient action, paired with the pistol's ergonomic grip and lightweight polymer frame, delivers a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended sessions with a suppressor attached. The TX22's adjustable rear sight and compatibility with a wide selection of optics adds even more versatility.
Honorable Mentions:
Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard
A novel suppressed .22 pistol to add to your arsenal is the Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard, one of the most compact suppressed pistols available. This folding pistol with a threaded barrel is slightly bigger than an Altoid's tin and is a great pocket pistol.
The LifeCard is also extremely quiet due to its locking breach eliminating port noise or action noise. The recoil is a bit boisterous due to the grip, but really what else can you expect from what is essentially a backup to your backup weapon meant to be carried in a pocket or purse. There are even options with larger bore barrels if you need your backup to chamber something larger than .22lr.
S&W Victory 22
While not initially designed with suppression in mind, the Smith & Wesson Victory's threaded barrel option makes it compatible with a wide range of suppressors.
Additionally, while it may not be specifically engineered for suppressed use, the Smith & Wesson Victory's reliability, accuracy, and compatibility with suppressors make it a worthy contender for enthusiasts seeking a suppressed .22LR pistol that delivers respectable performance and value.
Integrally-Suppressed .22 Pistols
Ruger Silent-SR 10/22 Takedown Integrally Suppressed Barrel (ISB)
The Ruger Silent-SR 10/22 Takedown ISB is another great option from Ruger, this time as a rifle. This innovative firearm is purpose-built for quiet and enjoyable shooting experiences, straight out of the box. The Silent-SR 10/22 Takedown features an integrally suppressed barrel, seamlessly aligning with both the barrel and the overall design of the rifle.
On top of that, the rifle's takedown capability allows for easy disassembly and transport, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures or a truck gun.
And despite its compact size, the Silent-SR 10/22 Takedown doesn't compromise on performance. The rifle's ergonomic design, adjustable sights, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories make it a versatile and user-friendly firearm for new and experienced shooters alike.
TacSol PacLite
The Tac Sol PacLite is purpose-built for shooters who demand exceptional performance and reliability in a suppressed package.
One of the defining characteristics of the Tac Sol PacLite is its outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. The integral suppressor, precision-machined components, and blowback action result in top-of-the line noise reduction.
At the same time, the PacLite's lightweight aluminum construction and ergonomic grip make it an absolute pleasure to handle and shoot.
Buyer’s Guide
Useful Definitions
- Rimfire – Metallic cartridges with a protruding rim containing a primer compound; these are not reloadable and often use small, low-pressure charges and projectiles. Examples: .17 HMR, .22 Long Rifle, .22WMR.
- Centerfire – Modern cartridges using a replaceable primer in the center of the case head. These primers allow for better ignition on larger powered charges and allow for large/heavy projectiles. Examples: .223/5.56, 9mm, .308 Win.
- Hollywood Quiet – A term often used to describe a silenced firearm replicating the frequently dramatized, near-silent sounds of suppressors in movies.
- National Firearms Act Items – The National Firearms Act of 1938 regulates silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, destructive devices, AOWs, and Machine Guns; this is why tax stamps and Form 4 transfers are required for the listed items.
- Point of Impact – This is where the projectiles are hitting, contrary to where you are aiming. Adjusting your sight so that your crosshairs and impact holes are in the same place on the target is called "zero."
.22 Suppressor Overview: What to Buy
Rimfire suppressors are purpose-built to silence a 22 firearm. .22lr is a unique cartridge to suppress effectively; first, it is very low pressure, does not use much powder, and is slow moving compared to its centerfire counterparts, making it easy to reduce the gunshot's signature (flash and sound).
Second, the low pressure also means low heat, allowing rimfire suppressors to use lightweight materials such as aluminum and titanium. As a result, you can attach a silencer and barely notice the weight on your firearm. Some .22 silencers weigh just a couple of ounces.
However, .22lr often uses a lead bullet, highly gaseous powders, and dirtier priming compounds, meaning the suppressors collect lead and carbon much faster than centerfire models. To combat the lead and carbon build-up, .22 suppressors use unique designs which allow them to be taken apart and cleaned easily.
You might see the term "user-serviceable," which means that you can take apart the for maintenance. Don't let this discourage you. The cleaning process is simple and only takes a few minutes every few hundred rounds; check out our video and blog about cleaning suppressors for more info.
Why Buy a Suppressed 22 Pistol?
The best reason to get a suppressed 22 pistol is that they're just plain fun! It's near-impossible not to smile as you pull the trigger and hear a faint "ting" in the distance as you hit a steel plate. Suppressed rimfires are also great for saving money while you train on the range and can be great tools for getting new shooters involved.
There are few things more fun than loading up a magazine of subsonic ammo, hearing nothing but the firing pin as you pull the trigger, and a quiet "thud" down range as the bullet impacts the berm.
Silenced 22s are a great way to get out on the range and have fun without breaking the bank on ammo costs. They may not be the most tactically viable firearm in your collection, but we wager that a suppressed 22 might put the biggest smile on your face when you take it out on the range.
Getting a 22 with a suppressor can be a great way to train in shooting handguns without dealing with higher ammo costs and more recoil than your primary pistol. You can match your grip and sight picture to your everyday carry handgun; for example, the Glock 44 is a 1:1 match of the Glock 19, and the Ruger 22/45 uses the exact same grip angle as 1911-style handguns
USPSA Grand Master Hunter Constantine told us, "I use .22LR for a cheaper alternative to training with 9MM. I shoot over 50,000 rounds of 9MM annually, which puts a considerable dent in my wallet. By shooting .22LR, I can shoot at a fraction of the cost."
Utilizing these suppressed pistols allows you to train for about ¼ of the price, lets you focus on fundamentals instead of recoil, and will protect your hearing while you're practicing on the range.
If you are trying to introduce new shooters to firearms, a suppressed 22 pistol is one of the best platforms. These guns have almost no recoil, are incredibly quiet, and are very light, making them ideal for getting people comfortable around guns. Silenced 22 pistols are also great for folks who are sensitive to recoil.
Hunter Constantine training with the Ruger MK IV SSH
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a .22 Suppressor Affect Accuracy?
Yes, it does, but usually in a positive way. Your point of impact will shift just as it will when attaching any other muzzle device. You should re-zero your firearm for use with a suppressor, but once it's dialed in, your group sizes might improve. Silencers often help maintain better accuracy due to decreasing recoil. However, because rimfire cartridges are dirtier than centerfire rounds, 22 lr suppressors require regular maintenance to ensure the accuracy you are used to. If you're cleaning the suppressor every few hundred rounds, your suppressed 22 pistol or rifle should hit the bullseye every time (as long as you do your part).
Can .22lr damage your ears?
Yes, .22LR can damage your hearing. Even though .22LR is a lot quieter than larger rounds, especially centerfire rounds, it can still damage your ears if you don’t use proper hearing protection, like a suppressor. A suppressor can bring that noise level down significantly, to a hearing safe level.
Conclusion
.22lr is one of the most ubiquitous bullets on the planet, and .22 lr guns are some of the most commonly owned firearms in the country. These weapons are excellent for use with a suppressor and are the perfect place to start your silencer ownership journey. So if you want to improve your handgun shooting skills or a good old-fashioned fun gun to plink on the range with, think about adding a suppressed 22 to your collection.
If you want to check out more suppressors like these, check out our list of the best rimfire suppressors.
