A dedicated rimfire suppressor is the lowest-friction entry point into suppressed shooting on every axis that matters to a first-time buyer: lowest typical purchase cost, lowest ongoing ammunition cost, and — as of 2026 — the same $0 registration tax as every other category.
Why rimfire is the natural starting point for many buyers
22LR suppressors are generally the most affordable category to purchase, rimfire ammunition itself costs meaningfully less per round than centerfire, and the shooting experience — quiet, low-recoil, forgiving of extended range sessions — makes rimfire suppressed shooting an easy activity to do often rather than something reserved for occasional range trips. For someone learning the NFA process for the first time, starting with the category that has the lowest cost and lowest stakes at every step is a reasonable, low-risk way to get comfortable with suppressed shooting before potentially moving to a centerfire registration later. It's also simply an enjoyable category on its own terms, not merely a stepping stone — plenty of long-time suppressor owners keep a dedicated rimfire can in regular rotation indefinitely, independent of whether they ever add a centerfire suppressor to their collection.
The real cost advantage, beyond the tax
The $0 tax now applies equally across every NFA category, so it no longer differentiates rimfire from centerfire the way it once didn't either — the tax was always flat regardless of category. What does differentiate rimfire is everything else: rimfire suppressors themselves are generally priced lower than centerfire equivalents, and rimfire ammunition costs meaningfully less per round for practice and casual shooting. Over the life of owning a suppressor, the ongoing ammunition savings from a rimfire platform used regularly can add up to considerably more than any one-time registration cost ever did, making rimfire the more genuinely affordable path to frequent suppressed shooting, not just a lower upfront purchase.
Who should start with rimfire versus going straight to centerfire
Start with rimfire if:
- This is your first NFA application and you want to learn the process at the lowest possible cost and stakes.
- Your primary shooting activity is already 22LR-based — plinking, small-game hunting, or training.
- You want to shoot suppressed frequently, where rimfire's lower ammunition cost meaningfully supports more range time.
Consider going straight to centerfire if:
- Your primary use case is a centerfire rifle or pistol and you have no particular interest in rimfire shooting for its own sake.
- You're comfortable with the NFA process already, from a prior registration or extensive research, and don't need the "practice run" a rimfire registration provides.
- You'd rather file one application for the suppressor you'll actually use most, rather than two separate registrations over time.
Best overall: user-serviceable, cleanable design
Rimfire suppressor with a user-serviceable, disassembling design
Rimfire ammunition leaves more fouling and residue inside a suppressor than centerfire ammunition typically does, which makes cleanability a genuinely practical priority rather than a nice-to-have for this category specifically. A can designed to be taken apart for cleaning will stay effective and easier to maintain over years of the frequent, high-round-count use rimfire suppressors commonly see.
Best for a dedicated pistol: lightweight, shorter profile
Compact, lightweight rimfire suppressor
For a 22LR pistol specifically, a shorter, lighter suppressor keeps handling closer to the pistol's unsuppressed balance and avoids the front-heavy feel a longer can introduces on a smaller platform. Suppressor-height sights are typically necessary here too, since standard pistol sights usually sit too low to see over a mounted can.
Dedicated integrally suppressed rifles: a related option worth knowing about
Beyond a standalone suppressor attached to an existing rifle, some rimfire platforms are available as integrally suppressed rifles — a complete rifle with the suppressor built into the barrel assembly rather than a separate attachable can. These are registered and taxed the same way as a standalone suppressor purchase, but the buying decision is different: you're choosing a complete rifle-and-suppressor system rather than a suppressor to pair with a gun you already own. This is worth considering if you don't already own a suitable 22LR rifle and are starting from scratch, since it can simplify the purchase into a single decision rather than two separate ones.
Mistakes to avoid with a rimfire purchase
- Assuming standard-velocity and high-velocity ammunition are always interchangeable. Some rimfire suppressors have narrower velocity ratings than buyers expect — confirm compatibility with the specific ammunition you plan to shoot most.
- Skipping suppressor-height sights on a pistol build. This is a near-universal need for suppressed 22LR pistols and is easy to forget until the suppressor arrives and the factory sights are unusable underneath it.
- Underestimating cleaning frequency. Rimfire fouling accumulates faster than many first-time buyers expect — factor in a user-serviceable design and a cleaning kit as part of the total ownership picture, not an afterthought.
- Assuming rimfire and centerfire suppressors are interchangeable in any way. They are not — a rimfire can should never be used on a centerfire cartridge, regardless of any apparent bore compatibility.
What rimfire suppressors can't do
It's worth being direct about the limitation: a rimfire-rated suppressor is not safe or legal to use on a centerfire cartridge, regardless of how the bore diameters might compare on paper. Rimfire ammunition operates at meaningfully lower pressures than centerfire, and rimfire cans aren't built or rated to handle the difference. If your longer-term plan includes centerfire rifles or pistols, a rimfire suppressor is a genuinely good first purchase for learning the process and enjoying low-cost suppressed shooting, but plan on a second registration for centerfire use rather than expecting one can to eventually cover both. This is a meaningfully different situation from the multi-caliber centerfire category discussed elsewhere on this site, where a single suppressor genuinely can flex across several related calibers — rimfire and centerfire are simply two separate systems that don't cross over.
What to check regardless of which model you choose
- Thread pitch compatibility with your specific 22LR platform's barrel.
- Whether it's rated for standard velocity, high velocity, or both — some rimfire suppressors have narrower ammunition compatibility than buyers expect.
- Ease of disassembly for cleaning, given how quickly rimfire fouling accumulates with regular use.
- Suppressor-height sights if mounting on a pistol, budgeted as a separate line item from the suppressor itself.
- Overall weight and length relative to your specific platform, since a rimfire rifle or pistol is typically lighter than a centerfire equivalent and more sensitive to a suppressor's added weight and length changing its handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 22LR suppressor be used on a centerfire rifle?
No, not safely. Rimfire suppressors are built specifically for the lower pressures of rimfire ammunition and are not rated for centerfire cartridges. Using one outside its rating risks damage and a safety hazard.
Do 22LR suppressors need to be cleaned more than centerfire cans?
Generally yes. Rimfire ammunition tends to leave more fouling and residue than centerfire, and rimfire-specific cans are commonly designed to be user-serviceable and disassembled for cleaning as a result.
Is a 22LR suppressor a good choice if I eventually want a centerfire suppressor too?
Yes, this is a common and reasonable path. A rimfire suppressor as a first, affordable registration lets you learn the NFA process and get comfortable with suppressed shooting before committing to a second, typically more expensive centerfire registration.