Check the legal process first: buying a suppressor in 2026.
The four categories
Rimfire suppressors
category
Pistol suppressors
category
Rifle suppressors
category
Shotgun suppressors
category
Rimfire
Small, light, and made for .22 LR and similar cartridges. With subsonic .22 ammo, a suppressed rimfire is among the quietest firearm experiences there is. Rimfire ammo is dirty, so choose a can you can take apart and clean. RimfireAmmo's fouling guide covers maintenance.
Pistol
Usually 9mm-rated, with some rated to .45. On most recoil-operated handguns you need a booster (a Nielsen device) so the pistol cycles with the added weight on the barrel. Many pistol cans also work on pistol-caliber carbines, which don't need a booster.
Rifle
A 5.56-rated can is smaller and often quieter on 5.56. A .30-caliber can works on .308, .300 BLK and, with the right mount, smaller bores it's rated for. That makes it the most flexible single rifle can. If you shoot .300 BLK subsonic, a .30 can is the natural pick.
Shotgun
A niche category. Shotgun suppressors exist but are large and less common. Most people add one later, if at all.
Let your guns decide
- List the guns you actually shoot every month.
- Check which are threaded and their thread pitch.
- Pick the category that covers the most of them.
- Plan your mounting system for those hosts.
Good first hosts already threaded
FN 502 Tactical
.22 LR · 4.6" threaded
FN 509 Tactical
9mm · 4.5" threaded
Ruger PC Carbine
9mm · 16.12" threaded
Savage 110 Magpul Scout
.300 BLK · 5/8x24
Using a larger-caliber can on smaller calibers works within its rating, but it's usually a bit louder than a dedicated can. Using a can on anything larger than its rating risks a baffle strike, which can destroy the suppressor and is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best first suppressor?
The one that fits the gun you shoot most. For many people that's a rimfire can because .22 LR is cheap to shoot and suppresses well. Others start with a 9mm pistol can or a .30-caliber rifle can for flexibility.
Can one suppressor work on multiple guns?
Often, yes. A can rated for a larger bore can usually be used on smaller calibers it's rated for, with the right mounts. It will generally be somewhat louder than a dedicated smaller-bore can. Never use a can on a caliber larger than its rating.
Will a suppressor make my gun 'silent'?
No. Suppressors reduce the sound of the muzzle blast. Supersonic bullets still crack, and the action still makes noise.
Do I need a threaded barrel?
You need a way to attach the can, usually a threaded barrel matched to the suppressor's mount or an adapter.
Keep reading
SuppressorReady earns a commission on some purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing change often — always confirm on the retailer's page. Firearms ship only to a licensed dealer (FFL); you are responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws. Nothing here is legal advice. Suppressor, short-barreled rifle and short-barreled shotgun law is changing quickly in 2026 and differs by state. Several states ban civilian suppressor ownership. Verify current federal and state law, and your coverage status under any court order, before buying. Nothing here is legal advice.