Whether it’s because you’re looking to shoot more for less amid this economic squeeze, or you’re just a rimfire junkie like me searching for the best .22 suppressors for beginners, having a solid, budget-friendly first suppressor is a pivotal step in your NFA ownership journey.
If you’re still uncertain about whether or not you’ll even like the experience a suppressor gives you, a good first stop is to check out Silencer Shop to see what .22 caliber suppressors they offer, like the lightweight Fletcher Tauito or insanely quiet Angstadt Reticent 22.
Typically low cost, with simple designs, lightweight yet durable (for rimfire) materials, and Hollywood-level quiet capabilities on most .22lr rimfire guns, these rimfire cans turn backyard sessions or range days into hearing-safe fun without draining your savings, all while complying with ATF rules through Silencer Shop’s fast eForm process.
Best of all, and as most of you already know, recent tax reforms have eliminated the $200 ATF tax stamp for silencers, making ownership more accessible than ever. So let’s dive into my top picks.
Fun and (Typically) Inexpensive
If you’re new to suppressors, .22 LR cans are your best friend. They work great on popular rifles like the Ruger 10/22 or pistols like the new Smith & Wesson M&P 22X, and the ammo costs next to nothing, even during ammo shortages and price spikes.
You can shoot hundreds of rounds without worrying about your ears ringing or annoying the neighbors. Plus, most of these are user-serviceable, meaning you can take them apart and clean out the lead buildup yourself, no fancy tools needed. It’s all about keeping things simple and affordable when money feels tight.
Silencer Shop just updated their top .22 list for 2026, and while they’re the experts, I have a few of my own opinions based on suppressors I’ve used quite a bit myself over the last 10 years. I’ve zeroed in on some specific ones available on Silencer Shop that many people have either asked me about or that I personally have experience with, and today we’ll walk through each of them like we’re picking one out together.
Dead Air Mask 22
First up, the Dead Air Mask 22. Both SilencerShop and I feel like this one is a top pick, no matter what. This thing weighs just barely 3.6 ounces and is only 5.1 inches long, so it doesn’t throw off your balance on a pistol or rifle. It kills the first-round pop that typically comes with even the puniest of suppressed rimfire loads, and it’s rated for full-auto .22 if you ever go that route or happen to have an FRT for a TX22 lying around.
Cleaning the Mask is also pretty easy with no special tools, and you can grab it for under $400. Perfect if you’re hosting it on something like a Walther P22 or any other rimfire pistol, which is where I think the Mask shines best.
Faxon Twenty-Toucan
Stepping up a notch, check the Faxon Twenty-Toucan has been another favorite of mine for just about anything rimfire or even 5.7×28 related. It’s a bit more expensive, but hear it’s fully modular, so you swap configs for short pistol use or full-length rifle runs, full-auto rated for .22 LR, .22 Mag, and even centerfire 5.7×28 on longer barrels. Up to 28.8 dB reduction from 17-4 stainless with a nitride finish, user-serviceable, and lightweight at 5-8 oz, depending on setup.
If you’re planning for versatile hosts, this one’s a budget if you don’t mind it being hosted on several firearms in your collection. Biggest downside here is its price, and also the fact that it’s quite heavy. For me, the tone is pretty hard to beat so its a first choice for virtually any review .22lr rifle.
Angstadt Arms Reticent 22
The newest kid on the block is the Angstadt Arms Reticent 22. This new, $345, ultra-lightweight DMLS 3D-printed marvel that’s insanely quiet with top-tier sound suppression. Clocking in featherweight for all-day carry on your side with a HUSH Holster, it uses advanced printing for baffles that lock in that deep tone on .22 hosts without POI shift.
Freshly stocked at Silencer Shop, it’s perfect for beginners chasing cutting-edge performance on a budget without bulk and comes in at a price that is absolutely insane for a 3D Printed titanium suppressor. Just be careful, this one heats up really quickly since it’s so lightweight!
Rugged Oculus
I also wouldn’t sleep on the Rugged Oculus either. You can run it short at 4.7 inches for pistols or extend it for rifles, all at just 4.3 ounces, thanks to titanium and aluminum. It pulls about a 40-decibel reduction and is full-auto safe, so it’s built to last. Modular, like that, means you adapt it as your needs change.
Q Erector 22
While I’ve only shot this one at a handful of range days, the Q Erector 22 is ultralight at 3.8 ounces with configurable baffles similar to other way more expensive suppressors that allow you to tune the suppressor to rifle or pistol configuration. You tweak it for the best sound or weight balance on your semi-auto host. Minimal backpressure keeps things running smoothly.
SilencerCo Switchback
And for versatility, there is always the very affordable SilencerCo Switchback 22, which gives you three length options from 4.6 to 7 inches. Reversible baffles let you fine-tune for pistol or rifle use, weighing in at 5.1 ounces with solid 40 dB quietness. This is very similar to the Faxon TwentyToucan, but less expensive and not really meant for those hotter centerfire cartridges.
Pair any of these with budget hosts from Silencer Shop’s recommended setups, and you’re golden with standard velocity or subsonic loads like CCI Suppressor or even CCI Standard in a pinch.
Smart Ways to Save Even More on Your First Suppressor
Want to stretch those dollars further? Hit up one of Silencer Shop’s kiosks for an instant NFA trust and eForm submission. It’s faster than mailing paper forms ever was. Add a Nielsen booster if you’re using a pistol, and stock up on subsonic ammo tips from their rimfire suppressor guide.
Cleaning keeps them performing like new. Using Silencer Shop’s ultrasonic kits or just plain ole CLP on a regular basis is all that should be needed if you’re pretty judicious about your maintenance regimen.
Getting started is straightforward at Silencer Shop. Browse your pick, set up a trust, upload your ID, pay up, and ship it to your local FFL. Most states are good to go, and you can verify yours on their suppressor map. No waiting months anymore.
I’d recommend starting with something like the Mask 22 on a 10/22 to learn the ropes, then expand to SBR bundles later as you learn how your specific suppressor works with the particular barrel length and firearm you have in mind. While rimfire isn’t the coolest sub-category in the firearm world, it is often your only low-risk entry to the NFA world or tinkering with other new concepts.
Putting It All Together for the Quietest, Cheapest Fun
Match your suppressor with a solid host and ammo like CCI Quiet-22 for noise that’s right around 75% less, even before the can gets added to the equation. Although there are some suppressors that are made inexpensively, I still think they’re worth it if the price is scaled correctly. One honorable mention that fits this description is the Fletcher Rifle Works Tauito, which is a budget beast designed for plinkers who shoot a ton without fuss and has a dead-simple traditional k-baffle design that’s easy to maintain, but better materials to keep the can more durable and simpler to maintain for newbies.
In these uncertain times, a .22 suppressor isn’t just nice to have, it’s a practical way to keep enjoying the sport affordably and quietly. Head over to Silencer Shop’s .22 section today, pick your winner, and get that silence started.
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