The right .22 rifle doesn’t draw attention, doesn’t jam every other mag, and doesn’t throw your shots off with every temperature change. You want something accurate, consistent, and quiet enough not to spook everything within a hundred yards. These rifles have proven they can stay accurate and run smooth while keeping sound to a minimum—especially when paired with the right suppressor and subsonic ammo.
Ruger 10/22 Tactical
The 10/22 Tactical gives you all the reliability of the classic 10/22 but with a threaded barrel ready for suppression. Its synthetic stock holds up in rough weather, and the factory rail makes it easy to mount optics. The action runs clean and dependable, even after long days in the field. Throw a can on it and run some CCI Standard Velocity, and you’ll get tight groups with backyard-level quiet.
CZ 457 Varmint Suppressor-Ready
The CZ 457 Varmint brings precision to the .22 game. It’s got a heavy barrel that stays cool and consistent, and the bolt feels smooth every time you run it. The suppressor-ready version is already threaded, so you don’t have to mess with aftermarket work. It’s heavier than most rimfires, but that weight helps you hold steady. It runs subsonics like a dream and holds zero even when switching between loads.
Savage Mark II FV-SR
This rifle proves you don’t have to spend a ton to get quiet and accurate. The FV-SR has a threaded heavy barrel, a simple bolt-action system, and a reputation for tight groups at 50 to 100 yards. The AccuTrigger makes a noticeable difference when shooting smaller targets, especially when suppressed. If you’re after a reliable squirrel gun that won’t break the bank, this one deserves a spot in your safe.
Tikka T1x MTR
The Tikka T1x MTR isn’t flashy, but it shoots like a rifle twice its price. It comes with a threaded barrel and has a cold hammer-forged barrel that holds tight groups well beyond typical rimfire ranges. It’s built with the same attention to detail as Tikka’s centerfires, and you’ll notice that smooth bolt right away. It’s also a great suppressed option if you want minimal noise and maximum performance.
Bergara BMR Carbon
The Bergara BMR Carbon is lightweight without feeling flimsy. It’s built for accuracy and comes suppressor-ready out of the box. The carbon barrel helps keep weight down while still managing heat, and it performs well with subsonic rounds. It’s a good crossover option for someone who wants a rimfire rifle that feels like their centerfire setup. The trigger’s clean, and the action doesn’t disappoint when you’re working fast.
Christensen Arms Ranger 22
This is one of the higher-end picks, but it backs it up with performance. The carbon fiber barrel and aluminum receiver keep weight low without sacrificing accuracy. It comes threaded and ready for a suppressor and runs great with match or standard velocity ammo. The trigger is crisp, and the stock is built to take a beating. If you want a .22 that handles like a lightweight trainer, this is a strong contender.
Ruger American Rimfire Compact
The Ruger American Rimfire Compact is ideal for smaller shooters or anyone who wants a lightweight rig. It’s threaded, reliable, and comes with interchangeable stock modules to adjust the cheek height. Accuracy is solid out of the box, and it takes the same mags as the 10/22. Suppressed, it runs smooth and stays impressively quiet with the right ammo. It’s a good pick if you’re teaching someone new to shoot.
Anschutz 1710 D HB
If you want precision and aren’t afraid of a higher price tag, the Anschutz 1710 is hard to beat. It’s a bolt-action that’s known for tight tolerances and impressive accuracy. You’ll need to add your own thread adapter for suppression, but once that’s in place, it’s a ridiculously quiet setup with subsonic ammo. It’s more of a bench or target gun, but it still works in the woods if you’re packing light.
Browning T-Bolt Target/Varmint
The T-Bolt’s straight-pull bolt design makes it fast and fun. The Target/Varmint version adds weight for stability, and its accuracy stands up against pricier rifles. Suppressed, it’s quiet and soft-shooting with hardly any felt recoil. The trigger is decent, and the action is quicker than most bolt guns. It’s a good pick if you like the idea of a bolt gun but don’t want to give up speed entirely.
Henry Frontier Model Threaded
For those who like a lever-action feel, the Henry Frontier Threaded is a great way to run quiet without going tactical. The 24” barrel makes subsonics whisper-quiet, and the accuracy is better than you’d expect from a lever gun. It runs well with most ammo types and looks good doing it. Add a can, and you’ll have a backyard plinker that won’t wake the neighbors—or the critters.
Volquartsen Summit
The Summit is a straight-pull .22 that combines custom-shop quality with real-world performance. It’s quiet, smooth, and scary accurate. The trigger is clean, the machining is top-notch, and it’s built specifically with suppression in mind. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last. If you’re serious about precision and want something different than your usual bolt or semi-auto, this one delivers on every front.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
