Why rimfire is the best first suppressed experience
A .22 LR suppressor is small, light and often the least expensive can to buy. Subsonic .22 ammunition is inexpensive and, suppressed, very quiet. Many owners say a rimfire can is the one they use most. We covered the FN 502 Tactical in our FN 502 guide; here are four more hosts.
Tactical Solutions X-Ring Takedown
Tactical Solutions builds premium 10/22-pattern rifles. The X-Ring Takedown listing includes a threaded barrel, a scope rail and a Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock, and it breaks down for storage. It is the upscale choice for a suppressed rimfire rifle.
Tactical Solutions X-Ring Takedown
.22 LR · 10+1 · threaded, takedown
Kel-Tec SU22
The SU22 is an AR-style .22 rifle with a threaded barrel and high-capacity magazines. It is inexpensive and light. As with many semi-auto rimfires, it runs best with ammunition it likes, so test a few subsonic loads.
Kel-Tec SU22
.22 LR · 26+1 · threaded
GSG-16
The GSG-16 is styled after the MP5 and ships with a faux suppressor shroud over a threaded barrel. Removing the shroud exposes the threads; check the listing for the thread pitch and whether an adapter is needed.
GSG-16 Tactical
.22 LR · 22+1 · MP5-style
Kel-Tec P17
The P17 is one of the least expensive threaded .22 pistols available and a popular budget host. It holds 16+1. Rimfire pistols usually do not need a booster, since most use a fixed barrel.
Kel-Tec P17
.22 LR · 16+1 · threaded
Subsonic .22 ammo
Standard-velocity .22 LR is already close to or below the speed of sound, but true subsonic loads guarantee no crack. They also produce less energy, so some semi-autos need a load that is on the stronger side of subsonic to cycle reliably. Our subsonic ammo guide covers the options.
CCI .22 LR 40gr subsonic
Lead hollow point
Aguila .22 LR 38gr subsonic
Hollow point
Comparison
| X-Ring Takedown | SU22 | GSG-16 | P17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle, takedown | AR-style rifle | MP5-style | Pistol |
| Tier | Premium | Budget | Mid | Budget |
| Check on listing | Thread pitch | Thread pitch | Shroud, pitch, adapter | Thread pitch |
Rimfire cans get dirty
.22 LR is dirty ammunition, and rimfire suppressors collect lead and carbon quickly. Many rimfire cans are designed to be taken apart for cleaning. Check that before you buy, and plan to clean regularly.
Bottom line
For the nicest rifle, get the X-Ring. For the least money, pair a P17 or SU22 with a rimfire can. A threaded barrel alone does not make a host compatible. Confirm the suppressor's caliber rating, thread pitch, mount and the manufacturer's host limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best .22 for a suppressor?
It depends on budget and style. The X-Ring Takedown is a premium rifle host, while the Kel-Tec P17 and SU22 are budget options.
Is .22 LR subsonic?
Many standard-velocity loads are close to or below the speed of sound. True subsonic loads guarantee no bullet crack.
Do rimfire pistols need a booster?
Most rimfire pistols use a fixed barrel and do not need a booster.
How often should I clean a rimfire suppressor?
Rimfire cans get dirty quickly. Many owners clean after every few hundred rounds; follow the manufacturer's guidance.
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