What Is a Rimfire Silencer?
A rimfire silencer (also known as a rimfire suppressor) is a firearm accessory designed to reduce the sound, muzzle blast, and report produced by rimfire cartridges such as .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR.
By capturing and slowing the expanding gases as a bullet exits the barrel, rimfire silencers significantly lower noise levels, making shooting more comfortable and controlled. While they don’t make a firearm completely silent, rimfire suppressors are among the quietest suppressor types available due to the low-pressure nature of rimfire ammunition.
Rimfire silencers trace their origins back to the early 20th century, alongside the invention of the first commercially successful firearm suppressor by Hiram Percy Maxim in 1909. Early suppressor designs were frequently paired with .22-caliber firearms because rimfire cartridges generated less pressure and noise, making them ideal for effective sound reduction.
These early rimfire silencers were commonly used for small-game hunting and recreational shooting where minimizing noise was a priority. Today, rimfire silencers are widely used for target shooting, training, small-game hunting, and pest control.
Shooters value them for their exceptional sound suppression, reduced recoil, and improved shooting comfort, especially during extended range sessions.
Modern rimfire silencers are typically lightweight, user-serviceable, and engineered to handle the dirty nature of rimfire ammunition, making them a practical and versatile option for responsible shooters seeking quieter, more enjoyable rimfire shooting experiences.
Rimfire Silencer Performance & Design
Rimfire silencers are engineered to deliver exceptional sound reduction while maintaining lightweight, user-friendly designs.
Because rimfire cartridges such as .22 LR generate relatively low pressure, rimfire suppressors are able to achieve impressive noise suppression, often making them some of the quietest suppressors available.
By slowing and redirecting expanding gases as the bullet exits the barrel, a rimfire silencer reduces the sharp report of a shot and minimizes muzzle blast for a more comfortable shooting experience.
Performance is influenced by factors such as ammunition type, barrel length, and internal baffle design.
Rimfire subsonic ammunition typically produces the best results, while high-velocity rounds may generate a sonic crack once the bullet breaks the sound barrier. To manage gas effectively, modern rimfire silencers use precision-machined baffles that maximize suppression while keeping overall size and weight low.
From a design standpoint, rimfire silencers prioritize ease of maintenance and durability. Rimfire ammunition is inherently dirty, so many suppressors are built to be fully user-serviceable, allowing for regular disassembly and cleaning.
Lightweight materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium are commonly used to balance strength, longevity, and handling.
With compact profiles, versatile mounting options, and reliable performance, rimfire silencers are designed to enhance accuracy, comfort, and enjoyment across a wide range of rimfire firearms.
Rimfire Silencers vs Other Suppressor Types
Rimfire silencers are specifically designed to work with low-pressure rimfire cartridges such as .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, which sets them apart from other suppressor types.
Because rimfire ammunition produces less gas and recoil, rimfire suppressors can achieve excellent sound reduction with a compact, lightweight design, often outperforming larger suppressors when it comes to overall quietness.
Compared to pistol silencers, rimfire silencers do not require a booster or Nielsen device, as rimfire firearms typically use fixed barrels.
Pistol suppressors must accommodate higher pressures and moving barrels, which adds complexity and weight. Rimfire silencers are also easier to mount and maintain, making them an ideal choice for straightforward shooting applications.
When compared to rifle suppressors, rimfire silencers are significantly lighter and not built to withstand the extreme heat and pressure generated by centerfire rifle cartridges.
Rifle silencers prioritize durability and heat resistance, while rimfire suppressors focus on maximum noise reduction and ease of cleaning due to the dirty nature of rimfire ammunition.
Shotgun suppressors, on the other hand, use entirely different designs and bore sizes, making them unsuitable for rimfire use.
While some suppressors offer multi-caliber compatibility, dedicated rimfire silencers provide the best balance of sound suppression, weight, and reliability for rimfire firearms.
Choosing a suppressor designed specifically for rimfire use ensures optimal performance, longevity, and an improved shooting experience.
Legal Requirements for Buying a Rimfire Silencer
Rimfire silencers are legal to purchase in many states but are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). To buy a rimfire silencer, you must be legally eligible to own firearms and reside in a state where suppressor ownership is permitted.
Because laws vary by state and locality, confirming suppressor legality in your area is an essential first step before starting the purchase process.
All rimfire silencers require approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Buyers must submit an ATF application, complete a background check, provide fingerprints and photographs, and pay the required fees (if applicable).
Rimfire silencers can be registered to an individual, a trust, or a legal entity, each offering different ownership and use considerations. Once approved, the rimfire silencer must remain registered to the owner and cannot be transferred or sold without additional ATF authorization.
While the process involves paperwork and a waiting period, owning a rimfire silencer is a lawful and common option for shooters who follow federal and state regulations.
Understanding these legal requirements helps ensure a smooth, compliant purchase and responsible long-term ownership.
Popular Brands
Choosing a high-quality rimfire silencer starts with selecting a trusted manufacturer.
At Ammunition Depot, we carry many of the top silencer and suppressor brands known for performance, durability, and innovation. Our selection of rimfire silencers includes options from industry-leading names shooters rely on every day.
Banish suppressors are recognized for their lightweight construction and exceptional sound suppression. Built with premium materials such as titanium, Banish rifle silencers are designed for accuracy-focused shooters who want reduced recoil and easy maintenance.
Dead Air Silencers is known for rugged durability and advanced mounting systems. Their rifle silencers are engineered to handle high-pressure rifle calibers while delivering consistent suppression and repeatable performance in demanding conditions.
SIG SAUER brings its extensive firearms expertise to suppressor design, offering rifle silencers built for seamless compatibility and dependable operation. SIG SAUER suppressors are trusted for their precision manufacturing and strict quality control standards.
Yankee Hill Machine is known for producing durable, value-driven suppressors without compromising performance. YHM rifle silencers deliver reliable sound reduction and robust construction, making them a solid option for high-volume shooters.
Nosler applies its long-standing expertise in precision shooting and hunting to rifle silencer design. Nosler suppressors are engineered to complement high-performance rifles, offering effective recoil reduction and sound suppression for serious hunters.
Choosing the Right Rimfire Silencer
Ammunition Depot makes suppressor ownership simple!
Our Silencer & Suppressor Information Hub covers everything from choosing the right suppressor for pistols, rifles, rimfire firearms, and shotguns to understanding suppressor legality and ATF paperwork.
Find the Suppressor/Silencer model you're looking for by entering the information fields below.