An Affordable, Lightweight Rimfire Suppressor Taking the Market by Storm

The suppressor market has continued to grow as more firearm owners look for ways to make their shooting experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Within that market, rimfire suppressors occupy a unique position. The .22 LR is inexpensive to shoot, widely available, and popular with everyone from recreational shooters to small-game hunters. Adding a suppressor can make shooting a rimfire firearm even more appealing.

The NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor from Next Level Armament was designed with that exact application in mind. Rather than creating an oversized suppressor intended to accommodate numerous calibers, Next Level Armament focused on developing a lightweight, affordable, and serviceable suppressor specifically for rimfire use.

The NLS 22 Varmint offers a combination of features that helps explain its popularity among shooters looking for an affordable .22 suppressor.

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

Affordable .22 Suppression

One of the biggest selling points of the NLS 22 Varmint is its price.

Suppressors can represent a significant investment, particularly for someone who primarily shoots .22 LR. While the cartridge itself is known for being economical, adding a premium suppressor can substantially increase the overall cost of a rimfire setup.

The NLS 22 Varmint takes a different approach. With a $149.99 retail price, it was designed to provide an affordable option for shooters who want to explore suppressed rimfire shooting.

The lower price doesn’t mean the suppressor is designed as a one-size-fits-all product. Instead, Next Level Armament focused the design specifically on the rimfire cartridges for which it is rated.

Lightweight Design at Just 3.2 Ounces

Weight is particularly important on a rimfire firearm.

Many .22 LR rifles and pistols are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle. Adding a heavy suppressor to the end of the barrel can change the balance of the firearm and make it less comfortable to carry or shoot.

The NLS 22 Varmint weighs just 3.2 ounces when fully assembled.

It measures 6 inches long and has a 1.18-inch diameter, giving it a compact profile while minimizing additional weight on the firearm.

That lightweight construction is one of the defining characteristics of the NLS 22 Varmint and an important reason it appeals to shooters who don’t want a suppressor to significantly alter the handling characteristics of their rimfire firearm.

Carbon-Fiber Modular Baffle Stack

The NLS 22 Varmint uses a 3D-printed carbon-fiber modular baffle stack, helping Next Level Armament keep the overall weight exceptionally low.

The suppressor combines this carbon-fiber baffle system with an aluminum threaded mount and blast chamber. The blast chamber is designed to handle the majority of the pressure, allowing the remainder of the suppressor to use a lightweight construction.

The baffle stack is manufactured to fit the contours of the mount, creating a modular system that contributes to the suppressor’s compact and lightweight design.

The manufacturer specifically cautions that the carbon-fiber baffle stack must be used with its intended mount and blast chamber. It should not be modified or installed directly onto a firearm.

Designed Specifically for Rimfire Cartridges

Another major advantage of the NLS 22 Varmint is its focused purpose.

Rather than trying to create a suppressor that works across numerous firearm calibers, the NLS 22 Varmint is designed specifically for rimfire ammunition.

It is rated for:

• .22 LR standard velocity
• .22 LR subsonic
• .17 HMR

The suppressor is not rated for centerfire cartridges.

That makes it important for prospective buyers to understand the intended application before purchasing. The NLS 22 Varmint is designed to be a dedicated rimfire suppressor, making it particularly relevant to owners of compatible .22 LR and .17 HMR firearms.

A Quiet Shooting Experience

The appeal of suppressing a .22 LR is easy to understand. Rimfire shooting is already popular for recreational shooting, training, small-game applications, and general practice. A suppressor can make the experience more enjoyable by reducing the firearm’s report.

The NLS 22 Varmint is designed to provide sound reduction with compatible ammunition.

Shooters can also pair the suppressor with appropriately rated .22 LR subsonic ammunition. Because subsonic ammunition is designed to remain below the speed of sound, it avoids the distinctive ballistic crack associated with a projectile breaking the sound barrier.

As always, ammunition should be selected according to the firearm and suppressor manufacturer’s specifications.

Serviceability Is a Major Advantage

Another feature that helps differentiate the NLS 22 Varmint is its modular design.

Rimfire ammunition can produce substantial fouling, making maintenance and serviceability important considerations for dedicated rimfire suppressors. The NLS 22 Varmint addresses this with a replaceable carbon-fiber baffle stack.

If the baffle module becomes worn or damaged, the manufacturer provides a replacement process.

According to Next Level Armament, a replacement module currently costs $18, including shipping and handling. The original module must be returned to the manufacturer along with proof of suppressor ownership before the replacement is shipped.

This modular approach can provide additional value for shooters who expect to put significant use through their rimfire suppressor.

Durable Aluminum Mount and Blast Chamber

While the carbon-fiber baffle stack helps keep the suppressor lightweight, the NLS 22 Varmint incorporates an aluminum threaded mount and blast chamber.

These components feature a hard-coat anodized finish designed to provide durability.

The blast chamber experiences the majority of the pressure generated during firing. By using aluminum for this critical portion of the suppressor while utilizing carbon fiber for the modular baffle stack, the design balances structural requirements with the goal of minimizing overall weight.

The NLS 22 Varmint also uses a 1/2-28 threaded mount, making it compatible with firearms equipped with the appropriate threading.

Why Is the NLS 22 Varmint So Popular?

The popularity of the NLS 22 Varmint ultimately comes down to its combination of features.

It’s lightweight, compact, affordable, modular, and designed specifically around the needs of rimfire shooters.

The key specifications include:

• $149.99 retail price
• 3.2-ounce weight
• 6-inch overall length
• 1.18-inch diameter
• 1/2-28 threaded mount
• Carbon-fiber modular baffle stack
• Replaceable baffle module
• Hard-coat anodized aluminum mount and blast chamber
• .22 LR standard velocity rating
• .22 LR subsonic rating
• .17 HMR rating
• Rimfire-only design

For someone searching specifically for an affordable .22 LR suppressor, that combination can be difficult to overlook.

A Rimfire Suppressor Built Around Simplicity

The NLS 22 Varmint isn’t intended to be a universal suppressor for every firearm in a shooter’s collection. Its purpose is much more focused.

Next Level Armament built the suppressor around the idea that rimfire shooters shouldn’t necessarily need to spend a premium or add significant weight to their firearm to enjoy suppressed shooting.

The result is a straightforward rimfire suppressor that emphasizes affordability and weight savings while incorporating a modular design that can be serviced when necessary.

NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor Specifications

Specification	NLS 22 Varmint
Calibers	.22 LR, .17 HMR
.22 LR Rating	Standard velocity and subsonic
Weight	3.2 ounces
Overall Length	6 inches
Diameter	1.18 inches
Thread Pattern	1/2-28
Mount Material	Aluminum
Baffle Material	Carbon fiber
Baffle System	Replaceable modular stack
Finish	Hard-coat anodized
Application	Rimfire only
MSRP	$149.99

Is the NLS 22 Varmint a Good Choice for .22 LR?

For shooters specifically looking for a lightweight and affordable rimfire suppressor, the NLS 22 Varmint offers several compelling characteristics.

Its 3.2-ounce weight helps preserve the handling of lightweight firearms, while its 6-inch length and 1.18-inch diameter provide a relatively compact profile. The carbon-fiber modular baffle stack further contributes to the low weight, and the replaceable design gives owners a service option if the module becomes worn or damaged.

Its biggest limitation is also one of its defining characteristics: it is a rimfire-only suppressor. It should not be used with centerfire cartridges or ammunition outside of its published ratings.

Final Thoughts on the NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor

The NLS 22 Varmint Suppressor takes a focused approach to the rimfire suppressor market. Instead of attempting to accommodate every caliber or firearm platform, it concentrates on providing an affordable, lightweight solution for compatible .22 LR and .17 HMR applications.

At $149.99 and just 3.2 ounces, the NLS 22 Varmint offers an attractive combination of affordability and weight savings. Its carbon-fiber modular baffle stack and replaceable design add another layer of practicality for rimfire shooters.

For anyone researching .22 LR suppressors, the NLS 22 Varmint stands out as a purpose-built option that demonstrates how a rimfire suppressor can remain compact, lightweight, serviceable, and accessible.

NFA Note: The purchaser is responsible for complying with all laws governing suppressor ownership, possession, transfer, and use. The suppressor is intended for rimfire use only and is not rated for centerfire cartridges.

Read the full Varmint Review here!