I have selected five .22 rimfire sound moderators of varying prices, ranging from under £40 to £150, each designed primarily for subsonic cartridge use, though some can be used for .17 HMR or .22 Hornet cartridges..

I tested using Winchester Max 42-gr subsonic ammunition as this has a velocity of 1,061fps and 105ft/lb energy from the Sako Finnfire rifle — so, subsonic to gauge each moderator in turn — and I tested each one for noise at the ear (in other words at the firing point), 50 yards at right angles and then down range at 100 yards.

 

A-Tec Wave
Price £37.94

Supplier: Solware

Calibre sizes: 17 HMR, .22

Ease of fitment 4/5

A barrel-mounted direct thread-fitted moderator that is easy to fit directly to the muzzle.

Design and handling 4.5/5

The baffles are made from non-strippable aluminium (there is 
a carbon fibre option).

Noise reduction 4.5/5

Very quiet and dull report due to its good size and extensive internal baffle system. Some moderators resonate, this did not.

Verdict

Lightweight and compact. Warranted for two years with a 5,000-round maintenance interval, it achieves a very impressive performance for its size.

Score 13/15

 

MAE LR 22 STS
Price £99

Supplier: MAE Moderators 

Calibre sizes: .17 HMR, .22LR

Ease of fitment 4/5

Muzzle mounted, the total length 
of 175mm is reduced to 162mm when threaded on and is slim with 
a diameter of 22mm.

Design and handling 4.5/5

Being stainless steel (the only one on test here) it will remain rust-free. Easily strippable with a baffle stack of self-aligning cones and large primary expansion chamber.

Noise reduction 4.5/5

Good noise reduction and all you really need from a .22 rimfire moderator with a great low-frequency report.

Verdict

If you want a long-lasting and hard-wearing sound moderator with classic looks for a good price, this could be one for you. For longevity, it wins hands down.

Score 13/15

 

Wildcat Panther
Price £149

Supplier: Wildcat

Calibre sizes: .17 HMR, .22LR
to .22 Hornet

Ease of fitment 4.5/5

Being an over-the-barrel design, 
it only extends 112mm in front of the muzzle but has a large diameter of 38.5mm.

Design and handling 5/5

Full aluminium construction except the threaded section and primary expansion chamber (which is made of stainless steel to eliminate flame erosion). There are three pieces: the rear over-barrel sleeve, a one-piece machined complex baffle stack and an aluminium outer case. Thanks to the over-barrel design 
it balances very well.

Noise reduction 4.5/5

Very good noise reduction, as 
you would expect from a larger, heavier moderator.

Verdict

The most expensive tested but superbly made and very effective with all tested calibre sizes.

Score 14/15

 

Schultz & Larsen Rimfire

Price: From £90

Supplier: Alan Rhone Ltd

Calibre sizes: .22LR (subsonic and supersonic)

Ease of fitment 4.5/5

Simple muzzle cans that fit with positive-cut threads. The subsonic is 106mm long and the supersonic is 167mm; both are 30mm diameter.

Design and handling 5/5

Individual baffles screwed together to form a tower with no outer casing that can be exchanged or replaced at any time; a simple idea that works superbly. Fully aluminium.

Noise reduction 4/5

The subsonic is very quiet with a dull 
“phut” sound, good for its size. The supersonic makes a low-tone report.

Verdict

Probably my personal favourite. Cost-effective, quiet and can be 
custom-made to suit your needs.

Score 13.5/15

 

Aim Sports
Rimfire 22

Price £68.99

Supplier: Solware

Calibre sizes: .17 HMR, .22LR

Ease of fitment 4/5

Made in Sweden and muzzle-mounted so the 116 x 33.5mm dimensions only adds 101mm to the muzzle when threaded on.

Design and handling 4/5

This is a three-part aluminium outer shell and one-piece aluminium baffle stack, with two-tier pierced baffles and a removable stainless steel rear threaded section.

Noise reduction 3.5/5

Muted note that improved with more shots, though it had a slight resonance when new.

Verdict

Well-made moderator, easy to strip and clean and suitable for both a .22 rimfire and .17 HMR if you have that calibre too.

Score 11.5/15

All prices were correct at the time 
of going to press. This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated. 

Further thoughts on .22 rimfire sound moderators

• If you are using a .22LR rifle, sound reduction is only required for subsonic ammunition. It is quite straightforward to moderate as it does not have the crack of supersonic ammunition.
• Baffles slow down the advancing hot, expanding gases on detonation/firing, and cool them which lessens the muzzle report.
• Most .22LR ammunition gives a reading of 135 decibel (dB) when it is unmoderated while a .308 Win gives a reading of 160dB.
• Anything that can reduce the reading by 20-25dB is good. Above that it depends on your hearing and the bullet strike is noisier in any case.
• While you will be seeking good noise reduction levels, factors such as weight, length, longevity and price will all play a part in your choice.