What to Look For and Why Rimfire Hunters Choose the Right .22 Suppressor

Small game hunting demands precision, patience, and the right equipment. Whether you’re hunting squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, or other varmints, a quality .22 suppressor can significantly improve your shooting experience while helping you maintain better situational awareness in the field.

From reduced noise and recoil to improved communication with hunting partners, a suppressor has become one of the most valuable upgrades for modern rimfire rifles, especially since the Big Beautiful Bill has passed and removed the $200 fee on NFA items, making the purchase process much easier. If you’re searching for the best suppressor for small game hunting, here’s what you should consider—and why the Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor stands out as an excellent value.

Our team at Next Level Armament is going to break it down.

Why Use a Suppressor for Small Game Hunting?

Suppressors offer several practical advantages for hunters beyond simply making a firearm quieter.

Reduced Noise

A suppressor helps lower the report of your rifle, making shooting more comfortable and reducing noise exposure. When paired with quality subsonic .22 LR ammunition, many rimfire suppressors provide an exceptionally quiet shooting experience.

While hearing protection is still recommended whenever possible, suppressors help minimize overall sound and create a more enjoyable day in the field.

Less Disturbance to Wildlife

A quieter rifle often means less disruption to the surrounding area. Nearby game may be less likely to scatter after a single shot, potentially giving hunters additional opportunities when legal and appropriate.

Improved Accuracy

Suppressors can help reduce perceived recoil and muzzle movement, allowing shooters to stay on target more easily and observe bullet impact through the optic.

For small targets like squirrels and rabbits, maintaining sight picture can be a significant advantage.

More Comfortable Shooting Experience

Many hunters simply enjoy shooting suppressed. Reduced blast and concussion make range sessions and hunting trips more enjoyable for both the shooter and those nearby.

What Makes the Best Rimfire Hunting Suppressor?

Not every suppressor is designed with hunters in mind. The best suppressor for small game hunting should balance several key characteristics.

Lightweight Construction

Every ounce matters when carrying a rifle through woods or fields all day.

Heavy suppressors can negatively affect rifle balance, especially on lightweight hunting rifles.

Excellent Sound Reduction

A quality rimfire suppressor should perform well with:

• .22 LR
• .22 LR Subsonic
• .17 HMR
• Other compatible rimfire cartridges

Performance with subsonic ammunition is particularly important for hunters seeking the quietest possible setup.

Durability

Rimfire ammunition produces significant carbon and lead fouling. A suppressor should be designed to withstand repeated use while remaining reliable over thousands of rounds.

Easy Maintenance

Serviceability is often overlooked.

A suppressor that allows damaged or worn components to be replaced can provide long-term value while minimizing downtime.

Why the Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor Is an Excellent Choice

Hunters looking for an affordable yet durable and performance based rimfire suppressor should take a close look at the Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor.

Designed specifically for .22 LR varmint hunting and recreational shooting, it combines lightweight construction with impressive sound suppression at an approachable price point.

Lightweight Design

Weighing only 3.2 ounces, the NLS 22 Varmint is one of the lightest suppressors in its class. Its minimal weight helps preserve the natural balance of lightweight rimfire rifles while remaining reliable on many semi-automatic .22 LR pistols.

Measuring just 6 inches long with a 1.18-inch diameter, it maintains a compact profile that doesn’t feel cumbersome in the field.

Innovative Carbon Fiber Baffle System

Instead of using a traditional all-metal internal design, the NLS 22 Varmint features an interchangeable modular carbon fiber baffle stack.

This innovative design helps reduce weight while maintaining effective sound suppression for compatible rimfire cartridges.

The suppressor utilizes:

• Hard coat anodized aluminum threaded mount
• Aluminum blast chamber
• Precision 3D-printed modular carbon fiber baffle stack
• Standard 1/2×28 thread pattern

The result is a suppressor that’s lightweight, durable, and engineered specifically for rimfire performance.

Outstanding Value

One of the biggest advantages of the NLS 22 Varmint is affordability. Many premium rimfire suppressors cost several hundred dollars before taxes and transfer fees. The NLS 22 Varmint delivers excellent performance at a price point that makes suppressed rimfire shooting more accessible to hunters and recreational shooters alike.

For anyone purchasing their first suppressor, it offers an attractive balance of performance and value.

Serviceable Design

Unlike sealed suppressors, the NLS 22 Varmint features a modular design that allows worn or damaged baffle modules to be replaced through the manufacturer.

This serviceable approach can help extend the suppressor’s lifespan while reducing long-term ownership costs.

Rimfire Cartridge Compatibility

The NLS 22 Varmint is rated for:

• .22 LR
• .22 LR Subsonic
• .22 Magnum (rifle applications)
• .17 HMR

It is designed exclusively for compatible rimfire cartridges and is not rated for centerfire firearms.

Ideal Uses for the NLS 22 Varmint

The suppressor is an excellent option for:

• Squirrel hunting
• Rabbit hunting
• Prairie dog shooting
• Pest and varmint control
• Recreational rimfire shooting
• Backyard target shooting where legal
• Rimfire training

Its lightweight construction and excellent handling characteristics make it especially well suited for hunters who spend long days carrying their rifles.

Is the NLS 22 Varmint the Best Suppressor for Small Game Hunting?

For hunters seeking an affordable, lightweight, and effective rimfire suppressor, the Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor deserves a place at the top of the list.

Its innovative carbon fiber modular baffle system, aluminum construction, compact size, and excellent compatibility with popular rimfire cartridges make it an outstanding option for both first-time suppressor buyers and experienced hunters.

Whether you’re chasing squirrels through hardwood forests or controlling varmints around your property where legal, the NLS 22 Varmint offers the performance and portability needed for a successful day in the field.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best suppressor for small game hunting comes down to balancing weight, sound reduction, durability, and value. The Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor checks all of those boxes while remaining one of the most affordable dedicated rimfire suppressors available, perfect for building a new setup or upgrading your current one.

If you’re looking to upgrade your .22 LR hunting rifle with a suppressor designed specifically for rimfire performance, the NLS 22 Varmint is a smart choice that delivers exceptional value without compromising capability.

Important: The NLS 22 Varmint is a National Firearms Act (NFA) regulated suppressor. Purchasing one requires compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the required ATF transfer process and tax stamp where applicable.

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