NLS 22 Varmint Review
A .22 Suppressor for Just $149.99
The .22 suppressor market has traditionally come with a significant price barrier. While .22LR is one of the most affordable and accessible cartridges for recreational shooting, adding a suppressor to a rimfire setup has often meant spending several hundred dollars on the suppressor alone.
Next Level Armament is taking a different approach with the NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor, offering a purpose-built rimfire suppressor for $149.99.
Designed specifically for .22LR shooting and varmint applications, the NLS 22 Varmint focuses on keeping things lightweight, serviceable, and affordable. At just 3.2 ounces, the suppressor is designed to add minimal weight to a rimfire firearm while providing a quieter shooting experience.
What Is the NLS 22 Varmint?

The NLS 22 Varmint is a lightweight .22 suppressor from Next Level Armament designed specifically for rimfire applications, perfect for range sessions or small game hunting.
Next Level Armament developed the suppressor around the idea that effective suppression doesn’t have to be expensive. The result is a compact design combining an aluminum threaded mount and blast chamber with a modular carbon-fiber baffle stack.
The suppressor measures 6 inches long, has a 1.18-inch diameter, and weighs only 3.2 ounces.
That lightweight construction makes it particularly interesting for .22LR rifles and pistols where adding several ounces of weight to the muzzle can noticeably change handling.
A .22 Suppressor Designed to Be Affordable
The biggest selling point of the NLS 22 Varmint is arguably its price.
At $149.99, it provides an entry point for shooters who may have previously considered a .22 suppressor too expensive.
The philosophy behind the product is straightforward: .22LR shooting is already known for being affordable and accessible, so a rimfire suppressor shouldn’t necessarily cost several times more than the firearm it’s being used with.
The NLS 22 Varmint brings the price down while still incorporating features such as a hard-coat anodized aluminum mount, modular carbon-fiber baffle stack, and serviceable construction.
Lightweight 3.2-Ounce Construction
One of the most impressive specifications is the NLS 22 Varmint’s 3.2-ounce weight.
A suppressor sits at the end of the barrel, meaning even a relatively small amount of additional weight can affect the balance and handling of a lightweight rimfire firearm.
The NLS 22 Varmint is designed to minimize that effect.
At six inches long and only 3.2 ounces, it provides a lightweight option for shooters who want a suppressed rimfire setup without significantly changing how their firearm feels.
According to Next Level Armament, the suppressor can also cycle reliably on a .22LR semi-automatic pistol without spring assists or special adapters.
Aluminum Mount and Blast Chamber
The NLS 22 Varmint uses an aluminum threaded mount and blast chamber with a hard-coat anodized finish.
This component handles the majority of the pressure generated during firing, allowing the remainder of the suppressor to focus on lightweight construction.
The mount uses a standard 1/2-28 thread pattern, making it compatible with many .22LR firearms that use the same muzzle threading.
As always, users should verify firearm and thread compatibility before purchasing or installing any suppressor.
Modular Carbon-Fiber Baffle Stack
Instead of using a traditional all-metal baffle system, the NLS 22 Varmint uses a 3D-printed carbon-fiber modular baffle stack.
The baffle stack is designed to fit the contours of the aluminum mount and blast chamber, helping Next Level Armament achieve the suppressor’s lightweight design.
The modular construction is also an important part of the product’s serviceability.
However, the baffle stack is not designed to be used independently. Next Level Armament specifically warns that the modular baffle stack must remain installed with the appropriate mount and blast chamber. Attempting to modify or use the stack independently can result in failure.
A Serviceable .22 Suppressor
Rimfire ammunition can generate significant fouling, making serviceability an important consideration for a .22 suppressor.
The NLS 22 Varmint’s modular design allows the carbon-fiber baffle stack to be replaced if it becomes worn or damaged.
Next Level Armament offers replacement baffle modules for $18, including shipping and handling, subject to its replacement process and proof-of-ownership requirements.
This is a notable advantage for shooters who expect to put substantial round counts through their suppressor.
Instead of treating the suppressor as a permanently sealed component, the modular design provides a defined path for replacement.
Rated for .22LR and .17 HMR
The NLS 22 Varmint is rated for specific rimfire cartridges, including:
- .22LR standard velocity
- .22LR subsonic
- .17 HMR
It is important to note that the NLS 22 Varmint is rimfire-only and is not rated for centerfire cartridges.
Users should never assume that a suppressor is compatible with a particular ammunition type simply because the cartridge appears similar. Always follow the manufacturer’s current caliber ratings and restrictions.
Why Use Subsonic .22LR?
The NLS 22 Varmint can also be paired with appropriate .22LR subsonic ammunition.
Subsonic ammunition is designed to remain below the speed of sound under the appropriate conditions, eliminating the ballistic crack associated with a projectile breaking the sound barrier.
When combined with a suppressor, subsonic rimfire ammunition can provide an especially enjoyable shooting experience.
Actual sound levels vary depending on ammunition, firearm configuration, barrel length, environment, and other factors, so shooters should not assume every combination will produce identical results.
Designed for Backyard Shooting and Varmint Hunting

Next Level Armament specifically designed the NLS 22 Varmint around backyard shooting and .22LR varmint hunting.
Where legally permitted, a suppressed rimfire firearm can be an appealing option for recreational shooting and pest-control applications.
The suppressor’s low weight is especially relevant for this type of use. A rimfire rifle carried or handled for extended periods can benefit from a muzzle device that doesn’t add substantial weight.
The NLS 22 Varmint is also compact enough to maintain the lightweight character of many .22LR platforms.
What Makes the NLS 22 Varmint Different?
There are several characteristics that distinguish the NLS 22 Varmint from traditional rimfire suppressors.
$149.99 Price
The price is the obvious headline.
At $149.99, the NLS 22 Varmint is positioned as an affordable entry into the rimfire suppressor market.
3.2-Ounce Weight
The extremely low weight helps minimize the effect of the suppressor on firearm balance.
Modular Construction
The carbon-fiber baffle stack is modular and replaceable, giving the suppressor a serviceable design.
1/2-28 Threading
The 1/2-28 threaded mount is a common configuration for compatible rimfire firearms.
Rimfire-Specific Design
Rather than attempting to be a universal suppressor, the NLS 22 Varmint is specifically designed and rated for rimfire cartridges.
NLS 22 Varmint Specifications
The NLS 22 Varmint includes the following specifications:
| Specification | NLS 22 Varmint |
|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 |
| Overall Length | 6 inches |
| Diameter | 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Thread Pattern | 1/2-28 |
| Mount Material | Aluminum |
| Finish | Hard-coat anodized |
| Baffle System | Replaceable carbon-fiber stack |
| Caliber Rating | .22LR standard velocity, .22LR subsonic, .17 HMR |
| Application | Rimfire only |
Is the $150 .22 Suppressor Worth It?
For someone specifically looking for an affordable .22 suppressor, the NLS 22 Varmint presents a compelling value proposition.
The combination of a $149.99 price, 3.2-ounce weight, modular construction, and serviceability makes it substantially different from the traditional expectation that a quality rimfire suppressor needs to cost several hundred dollars.
The product isn’t designed to be a universal suppressor. It’s specifically intended for rimfire applications and is not rated for centerfire ammunition.
That specialization is part of the appeal.
Rather than paying for capabilities you don’t need, the NLS 22 Varmint focuses on .22LR and .17 HMR applications.
Final Verdict
The Next Level Armament NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor makes a strong case for the idea that a .22 suppressor doesn’t have to be expensive, heavy, or difficult to service.
At $149.99, it’s positioned as an affordable option for rimfire shooters. Its 3.2-ounce weight helps preserve the handling characteristics of lightweight .22LR firearms, while the aluminum mount and blast chamber provide a durable foundation for the modular carbon-fiber baffle system.
The ability to replace the baffle stack adds another layer of long-term value, particularly for shooters who put significant round counts through their rimfire equipment.
For anyone looking to add suppression to a compatible .22LR or .17 HMR platform, the NLS 22 Varmint deserves a look.
Quiet made affordable.
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