Finding the best .22 pistol with a silencer is about more than just quiet shooting – it’s about accuracy, control, and a smoother shooting experience. Whether you’re focused on target practice, pest control, or discreet plinking, pairing the right .22 pistol with a quality suppressor can elevate your performance.
But not every .22 pistol works seamlessly with a silencer, and getting it wrong means dealing with malfunctions, poor accuracy, or even legal headaches. In this guide, we’ve put together a list of top-performing .22 pistols that are ideal for suppressed shooting.
From integrally suppressed options to those ready for aftermarket silencers, we’ll break down what makes each one stand out, as well as what to watch for.
Why Choose a .22 Pistol with a Silencer?
Here are some advantages of .22 pistol:
Exceptionally Quiet Shooting
The .22 LR round is naturally subsonic in many standard loadings, meaning it stays below the speed of sound and doesn’t create a loud sonic crack. When paired with a suppressor, a .22 pistol becomes one of the quietest firearms available – sometimes as quiet as an air rifle.
This makes it perfect for use in areas where noise might be a concern, such as backyard plinking (where legal) or sensitive training environments.
Extremely Low Recoil for Better Control
Suppressed .22 pistols offer incredibly low recoil, even for new shooters. The added weight of a suppressor up front can also help stabilize muzzle movement, leading to better shot placement. This makes it ideal for beginners, small-framed shooters, and anyone who wants to practice fundamentals without fighting recoil.
Affordable Training and High Round Counts
.22 LR ammunition is among the cheapest available, which means you can shoot hundreds of rounds in a single session without breaking the bank. Combined with a suppressor, this makes for the ultimate low-cost, low-noise training setup. Shooters can focus on practicing grip, sight alignment, and trigger control without the distraction of loud blasts or high ammunition costs.
Reduces Noise-Related Fatigue and Disturbance
Even when wearing ear protection, shooting can be tiring on the ears over time. A suppressed .22 pistol dramatically reduces the sharp crack of firing, making range sessions more comfortable and less fatiguing. For those practicing indoors or on private property, reduced noise also means less disturbance to others, including neighbors and pets.
Best for Target Practice and Skill Building
For anyone serious about improving their shooting, a suppressed .22 pistol allows for long practice sessions with minimal recoil and noise. Whether you’re working on accuracy, speed, or shooting drills, it’s one of the best tools for building fundamental skills that carry over to larger calibers.
Can be Used for Pest Control
In rural settings, a suppressed .22 pistol is a practical tool for dealing with small pests like rodents or snakes. The low noise signature avoids scaring off other animals and reduces risk of alarming neighbors – all while still delivering effective stopping power for small targets.
Good for Training New Shooters
When introducing new shooters to firearms, especially younger or more hesitant individuals, a .22 pistol with a suppressor creates a far less intimidating experience. Reduced noise and recoil help ease beginners into shooting without overwhelming them, making it an excellent tool for safety and skills education.
Can be Used for Discreet Plinking and Backyard Shooting (Where Legal)
For recreational shooters who want to enjoy casual plinking without drawing unwanted attention, suppressed .22 pistols provide a quiet and enjoyable option. Always check local laws, but in areas where it’s permitted, this combination is hard to beat for casual fun.
What to Look for in a .22 Pistol with Silencer
Choosing the right .22 pistol for use with a suppressor isn’t as simple as picking any random model off the shelf. Below are the key features and considerations to keep in mind when selecting a .22 pistol to pair with a silencer:
Threaded Barrel Compatibility
The first thing to look for is a factory-threaded barrel. Not all .22 pistols come ready for suppressors, and having a properly threaded barrel is essential. A factory-threaded barrel ensures that the threading is correctly aligned and sized to fit common suppressor threads, usually 1/2×28, which is standard for .22 caliber suppressors.
If you buy a pistol without a threaded barrel, you may need to have it professionally threaded, which adds cost and complexity. It’s always better to choose a model that comes threaded right out of the box to avoid these issues.
Reliable Cycling with Suppressor
One of the most overlooked aspects of pairing a suppressor with a .22 pistol is reliable cycling. Adding a suppressor changes the way gas flows through the firearm, which can sometimes lead to failures to eject (FTE) or failures to feed (FTF), especially in semi-automatic pistols.
Some .22 pistols are better engineered to handle suppressed fire, so it’s important to choose models known for working well with silencers. Adjustable recoil springs, if available, can help fine-tune cycling when using a suppressor, although most users will prefer pistols that run reliably without such modifications.
High-Quality Suppressor-Height Sights
Standard pistol sights may become difficult to use once a suppressor is attached because the can may block the line of sight. That’s why suppressor-height sights or raised sights are an important feature to look for. These taller sights allow you to aim properly over the top of the suppressor, maintaining accuracy and target visibility.
If the pistol you prefer doesn’t come with high sights, make sure that aftermarket options are available and easy to install.
Thread Protectors and Easy Maintenance
When you’re not using a suppressor, you’ll want a thread protector to prevent damage to the barrel threads. Some pistols come with a thread protector included, which is a small but essential addition to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Also, consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the pistol. Suppressed shooting, especially with .22 LR, can result in more carbon and lead buildup inside the firearm. A pistol that breaks down easily for cleaning will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Accuracy and Ergonomics
A suppressor can slightly alter the balance of a pistol, so choosing a .22 pistol with good ergonomics and weight distribution is key. Look for a model that feels comfortable in your hand, has a good grip texture, and offers a stable shooting platform even with added suppressor weight.
Accuracy is another major factor. Look for pistols with fixed barrels, which tend to provide better accuracy than models where the barrel moves during cycling. A suppressor often amplifies slight inaccuracies, so starting with a pistol that shoots tight groups is important.
Magazine Capacity and Ammo Versatility
While .22 LR pistols typically have smaller magazines than larger calibers, higher capacity options (10 rounds or more) are available and make practice more convenient. Also, check how well the pistol performs with different types of ammunition.
Note that subsonic rounds, in particular, are important for suppressed shooting.
A pistol that reliably cycles both standard and subsonic ammo will give you more flexibility in training and practice.
5 Best .22 Pistols with Silencer
Here are the top five .22 pistols you can find in the market:
Sig Sauer P322
Sig’s P322 is a recent standout in the .22 pistol world. It comes threaded for suppressors right from the factory and includes suppressor-height sights that co-witness with optics. Its optics-ready slide, flat-face trigger, and high-capacity 20-round mags make it ideal for training, plinking, and suppressed shooting. Reliable with subsonic ammo, too.
Ruger Mark IV Tactical
The Mark IV Tactical stands out for its fixed, bull barrel that offers superb accuracy and balance when suppressed. It comes with factory-threaded 1/2×28 threads, a top rail for optics, and adjustable sights. The one-button takedown system makes cleaning easy – a huge bonus when shooting dirty .22 ammo suppressed.
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory Threaded Barrel
The SW22 Victory’s stainless-steel frame makes it a rock-solid suppressor host. It comes with a match-grade barrel and adjustable fiber-optic sights that clear most silencers. What sets it apart is its modularity. You can actually swap barrels, triggers, and grips, allowing users to optimize it specifically for suppressed shooting.
Glock 44 Threaded Barrel Version
Glock’s first .22 LR pistol, the G44 offers a familiar platform for anyone used to Glock ergonomics. The threaded barrel version works well with lightweight suppressors, and its polymer build keeps it nimble even with a can attached. Perfect for those who want to train on a Glock-style gun while keeping things quiet.
Walther P22 Q Threaded Barrel
Compact, lightweight, and ready for a suppressor straight out of the box, the Walther P22 Q features a factory-threaded barrel with an included adapter. Its double/single-action trigger and ergonomic grip make it fun to shoot, while its reliability with subsonic ammo makes it a consistent performer for quiet plinking and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which suppressor works best with .22 pistols?
When choosing a suppressor for .22 pistols, look for lightweight design, sound reduction, durability, and ease of maintenance. The Regulator Ti .22LR Suppressor offers exceptional performance as it’s quiet, has a great build, and is simple to clean, which is why it’s one of the most popular choices for guns.
How does the barrel length affect the performance of a suppressed .22 pistol?
Barrel length plays a key role in suppressor performance. A longer barrel allows the bullet to achieve more velocity, which can enhance accuracy and help further reduce noise. However, it may also make the gun less compact and maneuverable.