Subsonic .22 ammo has its place. It’s quiet, soft-shooting, and perfect for when you don’t need the crack of supersonic rounds. The trick is running it in a setup that actually takes advantage of those benefits. Not every .22 rifle or pistol handles subsonic well, and some setups turn an already quiet round into something even more effective. If you want accuracy, reliability, and near-silent shooting, these are the setups that let subsonic ammo shine.
Ruger 10/22 with a threaded barrel
The Ruger 10/22 is the most customizable .22 out there, and when you add a threaded barrel, it’s tailor-made for subsonic shooting. The semi-auto action cycles subsonic reliably with the right springs and magazines, and you’ll notice how much quieter it gets when paired with a suppressor. Hunters and plinkers alike swear by this combination for its mix of dependability and accuracy. If you want a flexible platform, this is one of the easiest ways to maximize subsonic ammo.
CZ 457 with suppressor support
The CZ 457 has earned a reputation for being one of the most accurate factory .22 rifles available. Its tight tolerances and smooth bolt make it perfect for shooting subsonic ammo, where consistency matters. Many models come suppressor-ready, and when paired with subsonic rounds, you’ll be surprised at just how quiet and precise it becomes. This rifle gives you match-grade performance without any fuss, making it one of the smartest bolt-action choices for running subsonic.
Browning Buck Mark pistol
For a rimfire pistol that loves subsonic ammo, the Browning Buck Mark is tough to beat. Its blowback design eats subsonic without issue, giving you consistent cycling where some pistols choke. Add a threaded barrel and a suppressor, and you’ve got a setup that’s accurate, quiet, and easy to run. It’s one of those pistols that makes shooting subsonic fun and practical, especially for backyard practice or small-game hunting where you want minimal noise.
Savage Mark II FV-SR
The Savage Mark II FV-SR is designed with subsonic shooters in mind. It comes with a heavy threaded barrel that stabilizes slower rounds beautifully. The AccuTrigger system lets you squeeze out every bit of accuracy, and when paired with subsonic ammo, you’ll see groups tighten. Many hunters use this rifle for quiet varmint control, where subsonic penetration is enough but noise discipline is critical. It’s an affordable, purpose-built option for anyone serious about subsonic .22s.
Ruger MK IV Tactical
The Ruger MK IV is already a favorite rimfire pistol, and the Tactical model steps it up with a threaded barrel and optics-ready design. Subsonic ammo cycles well in this platform, and the combination of light recoil and precision makes it perfect for training or pest control. With a suppressor attached, the MK IV Tactical becomes one of the quietest and most enjoyable ways to shoot subsonic. Reliability and ease of cleaning make it stand out even more.
Tikka T1x MTR
The Tikka T1x MTR brings centerfire quality to the rimfire world, and it handles subsonic ammo with ease. Its smooth action, rigid stock, and match-grade barrel mean your groups stay tight, even with slower-moving rounds. Many shooters upgrade optics to take advantage of its precision, and it rewards you with consistent accuracy at longer ranges than most rimfires manage with subsonic. If you want a bolt gun that feels premium and thrives on subsonic, this is it.
Smith & Wesson Victory
The S&W Victory pistol is one of the most underrated .22s for subsonic ammo. It’s rugged, accurate, and available with a threaded barrel option that pairs perfectly with suppressors. The blowback design ensures that subsonic cycles smoothly, and its weight helps control muzzle rise, keeping follow-up shots quick and accurate. Many shooters find the Victory outperforms expectations with subsonic, making it a great choice if you want a pistol that handles quietly and consistently.
Anschütz 1416
If you’re serious about precision shooting with subsonic, the Anschütz 1416 is as good as it gets. Known for world-class triggers and barrels, Anschütz rifles make slower ammo perform like match-grade. Subsonic rounds benefit from the rifle’s consistency, giving you exceptional accuracy at realistic ranges. While it’s not cheap, hunters and target shooters who want the best out of subsonic swear by this rifle. It’s proof that quality craftsmanship pays off, even with rimfire ammo.
Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire is a versatile bolt gun that pairs surprisingly well with subsonic loads. Its modular stock system makes it comfortable to shoot, and the threaded barrel makes suppressor use easy. Many shooters use it as an all-purpose rimfire rifle, but it really shines when shooting subsonic. The controlled action and decent factory trigger let you make the most out of slower ammo, making it a strong option for hunting or quiet plinking alike.
Walther P22
The Walther P22 has long been a popular rimfire pistol, and it handles subsonic surprisingly well. With a threaded barrel adapter, you can easily add a suppressor, turning it into one of the quietest setups you can own. While it doesn’t have the match-grade accuracy of more expensive pistols, it’s fun, reliable, and practical for close-range shooting with subsonic ammo. For anyone wanting a compact, lightweight pistol to run quietly, the P22 makes the cut.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
