There’s a reason a lot of people consider 22 suppressors to be the gateway drug into the NFA world. They’re nearly “Hollywood quiet,” a competitive price point, and incredibly fun to shoot. But, as you may already know, .22lr ammo is dirty, so being able to easily get to the nooks and crannies of your suppressor is one of the biggest factors in purchasing a rimfire silencer. In this post, we’re giving you our customers’ favorite 22 silencers, as well as an explanation of why we think they’ve made their way to become some of our most popular in this category.

1. Dead Air Mask 22 HD
2. SilencerCo Sparrow
3. Ruger Silent-SR
4. Rugged Oculus
5. SilencerCo Warlock II

This census of our best rimfire suppressor sellers is here to help guide you and give you a stepping stone into what might just be your next 22 suppressor. So, let’s get started!

Let’s start off with a quick lesson on the two main differences that set 22 suppressors apart from each other: the suppressor’s insides and caliber rating.

Monocore vs. Baffles vs. K-baffles: It’s on the inside that counts, and suppressors are no different. The inner workings of rimfire silencers can be divided into three distinct categories. Silencers with a core structure that is monolithic, or milled out of one piece of metal. Because there are far fewer parts, these silencers are generally considered much easier to disassemble and reassemble for maintenance but comes at the drawback that most will have a more noticeable first round pop. For the purpose of this article, when we say baffles, we mean shielded baffles that click together. They might be a little more difficult to clean, but they prevent lead fouling from getting between the baffles and tube and seizing them up. Shielded baffles are also very easy to disassemble. Lastly, K-baffles: named because if you look at a cross section of the baffle itself, it forms a striking resemblance to the letter K. K-baffles offer some of the quietest rimfire designs out of these options, but can be a little more difficult to maintain and service.

Caliber Rating: Caliber rating can be a bit of a hot topic. We would ask that you take a moment to be honest with yourself here. Go on, take a moment. Close your eyes. Center yourself. You are on a calm meadow, you come across a high berm. There is a new steel target set up with a fresh coat of white paint. The wind catches in your hair... a scent of something wild on the air. You pull out your favorite rimfire gun. Now look down. Do you have a .17HMR in your hand? Is it a .22 Magnum? Now open your eyes again (and props for reading this with them closed). There are a number of hot selling silencers in this category that are rated for use on calibers up to 5.7x28FN (which we realize is not a rimfire cartridge), but is this really important to you? For most of us, our rimfire silencer will live on a .22lr rifle and get pulled off to throw on our .22 pistol every now-and-then. There are some other benefits to owning a silencer rated for a hotter cartridge than what you initially intend to use it for, but we just want to point out - in this category - that maybe doesn't matter quite as much as the internet might lead you to believe.

The list below is compiled of our five top selling 22 silencers so far in 2020. This list will give you fast stats comparing and contrasting the suppressors. After the graph, we provide you with a few reasons why we think these rimfire silencers have become so popular.

The Dead Air Mask made its way to the top of the best 22 suppressor choice category for a multitude of reasons, including its user serviceability, no report of first round pop, reduced blowback, and compact stature. This Dead Air suppressor’s baffle stack is designed to effortlessly stack together, and boasts a construction that makes for easy disassembly. These shielded baffles ensure that no lead gets between them and their tube casing, making cleaning a lot simpler of a task.

Another notable feature is the Dead Air Mask’s caliber rating. Rated up to 5.7x28 FN, the Mask offers compatibility on a whole host of firearms. When asked what sets the Mask apart from its competitors, Thornton, one of our sales representatives stated, “it’s one of the quietest and the most aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion.”

Final verdict: The Dead Air Mask 22 HD is neck and neck with the quietest silencers in this classification for sound, but is only 5.1-inches long. This is an impressive feat of engineering and really explains how Dead Air has been so successful with this suppressor.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5.1”
• Weight: 6.6 oz
• Diameter: 1.0”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium
• Finish: Cerakote
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 Mach2, .17HMR, .22 LR, .22 MAG, 5.7x28 FN
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes

The SilencerCo Sparrow has had a stronghold in the top five rimfire suppressor category because of its impressive noise reduction and its ability to come apart to be cleaned after all of the shooting you’ll do. The Sparrow features SilencerCo’s patented Multi-Part Containment (MPC), which uses two half tube shields that pull away from the monocore baffles. The MPC serves as a protective shield that assists in ease of disassembly and reassembly.

One of our suppressor gurus, Mike, says,  “the SilencerCo Sparrow is a staple in the rimfire world, offering great sound performance on both pistol and rifle barrels and is also one of the world’s fastest to clean!” Rated up to 5.7x28 FN, the Sparrow also offers versatility for a multitude of 22 firearms.

Final verdict: Because of the SiCo Sparrow’s caliber rating and patented monocore design, it is one of the most versatile and user-serviceable rimfire suppressors out there. With its compatibility on various rimfire host options, the SilencerCo Sparrow provides impressive versatility.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5”
• Weight: 6.5oz
• Diameter: 1.062”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Black Oxide, Magnesium Phosphate
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 MAG, 5.7x28 FN
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes

The Ruger Silent-SR made our top five rimfire silencer list because of its sound attenuation, repeatability, and science-based design. Featuring push-cone baffles, the Silent-SR yields impressive noise reduction due to the flow of gas through this 22 silencer. With its nestled baffles that seal, this Ruger suppressor can be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled quickly and easily.

The Silent-SR also boasts a patent-pending muzzle mount that interlocks with the outer tube, preventing spinning of the baffles against the tube, allowing for ease of mounting and dismounting. One of our silencer gurus, Justin, stated, “the Silent-SR is so easy to disassemble and clean. Additionally, the suppressor's interlocking technique makes it simple when removing from any rimfire host.”

Final verdict: Ruger’s Silent-SR is equipped to perform. Its compact design and ease of serviceability make it a top contender in this group. Throw in just how quiet your 22 handgun or rifle get, and it’s no wonder the Silent-SR has made its way to our top five 22 suppressor choices!

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5.37”
• Weight: 6.3 oz
• Diameter: 1.06”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium, Aluminum
• Finish: Cerakote
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR, 5.7x28 FN
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes

What stands out the most about the Rugged Oculus is that it is the only silencer in our top five rimfire suppressor category that is modular. Another impressive feature of the Oculus is its slotted baffles, which help create a seal to prevent lead from seizing the suppressor’s tube up. Rugged’s baffle design makes for no first round pop in its full configuration, and allows for ease of disassembly and reassembly.

Zachary, one of our trusty suppressor pros, says, “Like many other Rugged suppressors, the Oculus allows flexibility because of its modularity, allowing you to tailor the suppressor to a variety of hosts, be it a 20” barrel rifle, or 3.5” barrel handgun.” No matter what rimfire firearm you use, Rugged’s Oculus features an indexing tab for repeatable return to zero.

Final verdict: The Rugged Oculus is a durable, modular beast that is rated up to 5.7x28 FN. The rimfire host options for the Oculus make it one of the most popular because it’s truly the most versatile in our top five rimfire silencer list.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5.25”; 3.25”
• Weight: 6.9 oz; 4.3 oz
• Diameter: 1.06”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Cerakote
• Modular: Yes
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 MAG, 5.7x28 FN
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes; Belt Fed

The SilencerCo Warlock 22 is an upgraded version of its predecessor. As we’ve mentioned before, rimfire ammo gets super dirty, so a user serviceable rimfire suppressor is paramount. The Warlock 22 features CTA (Click Together Assembly) baffles to make sure that this silencer remains easy to clean.

One of our suppressor gurus, Justin, stated, “the Warlock 22 is the revamped legacy suppressor from SilencerCo. This SiCo suppressor gives you the added benefit of updated baffle designs that make it just as light as it is quiet. Designed for .22lr, the Warlock 2 is as simple as it gets to cleaning and mounting.”

Final Verdict: Big results come in small packages, and the Warlock 22 is the epitome of that sentiment. It’s unassuming demeanor matched with its impressive performance and ease of installment make it a no brainer that the SilencerCo Warlock 22 is on our top 5 22 suppressor list.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 6”
• Weight: 3 oz
• Diameter:1.0”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
• Finish: Stainless Steel, T3 HC Anodize
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .22 LR
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28
• Full Auto Rated: No

We realize that we aren’t through the entire year yet, so why not give you a peek into 2019 for a whole year’s worth of sales data. You’ll see that the list has shifted a little bit so far, but for the one that barely hasn’t made its way to our 2020 list yet, we’ve provided an honorable mention.

BONUS: Best 22 Silencers in 2019

1. Dead Air Mask 22 HD
2. SilencerCo Sparrow
3. Sig Sauer SRD 22X
4. Q El Camino
5. Rugged Oculus

As one of our top five rimfire silencer contenders, the Sig Sauer SRD 22X is the longest and lightest on the list when comparing full configurations. The SRD 22X’s weight savings comes from its titanium tube and unique stainless steel baffle design. This Sig suppressor features shielded baffles, which provides ease of cleaning and user-serviceability.

Each baffle was designed the same way, and while the SRD 22X’s baffles don’t make an audible sound when seated or have indexing tabs, they do provide the versatility in making your blast baffle different every time you disassemble and reassemble. Our sales professional Will simply states, “Between the price point, the performance, and the reputation of Sig Sauer, the SRD 22X is a recipe for success.”

Final verdict: The Sig Sauer SRD 22X is a top five rimfire contender because of its impressive noise reduction and light weight. It’s simple design gives you a straightforward .22 suppressor that will provide you with optimal performance every time.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5.8”
• Weight: 5.2 oz
• Diameter: 1.0”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium
• Finish: Black Anodized
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 HMR, .22LR, .22 MAG
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes

Q El Camino

Q’s El Camino is outrageously quiet, and we don’t take that phrase lightly. Speaking of light, the El Camino is by far the lightest of the suppressors we’ve talked about in this 22 suppressor blog post. Don’t let the weight fool you though, Q constructed the El Camino with durability in mind using stainless steel and titanium.

The El Camino features shielded k-baffles, which can be assembled in any order, as long as the cones are put together in the same direction. This baffle design allows for quick and easy disassembly and user-serviceability. Rated all the way up to 5.7x28 FN, and full-auto rated, this Q suppressor is fit for just about any rifle or handgun you’re thinking about using it on.

Final Verdict: The Q El Camino is a great rimfire suppressor and was a top five 22 suppressor in 2019 for a whole host of reasons, including its performance and user-friendly design. We wouldn’t be surprised if we see this Q suppressor sneak its way into our 2020 list.

Rapid Fire

• Length: 5.9”
• Weight: 4.3 oz
• Diameter: 1.0”
• Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium
• Finish: PVD
• Modular: No
• Barrel Rating: No Restrictions
• Rating: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 MAG, 5.7x28 FN
• Attachment/Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 DT
• Full Auto Rated: Yes

You may have seen some commonalities between these silencers, like user-serviceability due to 22 ammo being notoriously dirty, but there are also some pretty distinct differences too. We’ve seen each of these silencers withstand the test of time, and because of that, they’ve managed to climb their way into the hearts (and households) of many of our customers. No matter what you’re looking for in a silencer, we’re sure to have you covered.

Additional Resources:

The Best 9mm Suppressor Choices

The Best Rifle Suppressor Choices

Gone in 60 Seconds - Where’d all the silencers go?

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