The 8 Best Hunting Rifle Silencers in 2023

One of the best parts about hunting is being out in nature and seeing all the sights around you. Mother Nature’s bounty is even more impressive if you can hear her as well as see her.

This is best accomplished by keeping the sound of your rifle down when it comes time to pull the trigger. Of course, there’s no knowing exactly when that will be, and wearing ear protection when you don’t need it can be uncomfortable. There’s no better way to preserve your hearing and the sounds of nature than by attaching a silencer to your favorite hunting rifle.

If you ask ten hunters what’s the best hunting rifle on the market, you’ll get ten different answers. The same goes for silencers. Everyone has their favorite and their specific reasons for choosing one over the other.

Since we can’t know what will be the most important aspect to you personally, we decided to make a range of selections based on specific criteria. Below you’ll find choices based on caliber, decibel reduction, price, overall value, etc.

So, without further ado, here’s our list of the best hunting rifle suppressors on the market:

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HUNTING RIFLE SUPPRESSOR

A lot goes into choosing the right hunting rifle suppressor.

First off, you’ve got to figure out what you’ll be hunting. If it’s strictly going to be small game, then you can narrow your search to just .22-caliber cans. If you’ll be going after big game, then you might want to consider a .30-caliber can.

Next up, determine if you’ll be using a semi-automatic rifle or a bolt-action rifle. Just be aware that bolt-action rifles tend to be a bit quieter than semi-auto rifles. So if you’re going to use semi-auto, then decibel reduction might be of more importance than weight or length.

Another consideration is how you will be hunting. Do you plan on setting up in a stationary position and waiting for the game to come to you? Or will you be on the move, trekking over uneven terrain for long distances? If you’re staying put, then length and weight will be of less concern than if you’re hauling your rifle around with you.

There’s no right or wrong choice here. Just be sure to take all of those factors into consideration before making your decision.

BEST OVERALL HUNTING RIFLE SUPPRESSOR: BANISH Backcountry

The two most important factors for picking a suppressor for a backcountry hunt are sound suppression and weight, and the .30 caliber BANISH Backcountry suppressor was built with those factors in mind.

The Backcountry is a fixed-length suppressor that measures 5.5” in length (5.7” with QD mount) and weighs just 7.8 ounces. That’s a full 1.3” shorter and 2.2 ounces lighter than the BANISH 30 in its short configuration. That may not sound like much, but it makes a world of difference for backcountry adventurers who carefully pack their gear with size and weight in mind.

Rated for calibers up to the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM), the BANISH Backcountry utilizes six baffles that drop the decibel level down to 135 dB for .308 Winchester, 137 dB for .300 Win Mag, and 138 dB for .300 RUM at the ear – all of which fall below the hearing-safe threshold.

Utilizing a 1.375×24 Universal Mount, the BANISH Backcountry is a direct-thread suppressor designed to eliminate any extra weight associated with a muzzle device method of attachment, but it is also available with an optional muzzle brake attachment.

When size, weight, and sound suppression are of the utmost concern, the BANISH Backcountry suppressor allows you to pack in ounces, shoot at hearing-safe levels, and pack out pounds.

Features/Advantages:

• Quick-detach and direct thread options available
• User-serviceable
• Lightweight titanium construction

Disadvantages:

• It may be out of the budget for some people

Specs: BANISH Backcountry

Caliber: Rimfire to .300RUM

Weight: 7.8 oz

Length: 5.5”

Sound reduction: 35 dB

Price: $1,099

THE QUIETEST HUNTING SUPPRESSOR: Yankee Hill Machine Resonator R2

Not long ago, we put together an enormous suppressor test that pit 27 different cans against one another to see where they ranked in terms of weight, length, price, and sound reduction.

When it came time to tally the results, the Yankee Hill Machine Resonator stood at the top in terms of decibel reduction on a .308-caliber rifle. It brought the sound down by 35 decibels.

The Resonator R2 uses a tubeless design of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and a heat-treated 718 Inconel blast baffle which allows for a suppressor that is designed for rigorous use. In short: take it on your most strenuous hunting trip imaginable, and it will pass with flying colors.

Features/Advantages:

• Impressive 35 dB reduction on a .308-caliber rifle
• Priced right to be affordable for just about everyone
• Includes a quick-detach mount of your choice

Disadvantages:

• Minimum barrel length with .300BLK is 8”
• They include a muzzle device mount, but you have to use one of theirs

Specs: Yankee Hill Machine Resonator R2

Caliber: Up to .300RUM

Weight: 16.8 oz

Length: 6.9”

Sound reduction: 35 dB

Price: $695

THE BEST .30-06 SUPPRESSOR: Q FULL NELSON

The .30-06 has long been a staple cartridge in the hunting community, so it’s only natural that we break down the best can to use with this cartridge.

The FULL NELSON by Q does exactly what its name says it does. It puts the sound of your rifle in a full nelson and makes it submit, reducing sound by 31 decibels. Thankfully, because the can is a tubeless design, there’s no extra weight. This allows a can that is just shy of 9” to weigh in at just over one pound.

Q’s FULL NELSON has a little brother, the HALF NELSON, if you’re looking for similar performance in a smaller package.

Features/Advantages:

• Front and rear flats for secure attachment
• Tubeless design saves weight

Disadvantages:

• Not user-serviceable
• Direct thread only
• Not the quietest option out there

Specs: Q FULL NELSON

Caliber: Up to .300 Win Mag

Weight: 16.6 oz

Length: 8.8”

Sound reduction: 31 dB

Price: $899

THE BEST SUPPRESSOR FOR .300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM: SilencerCo Harvester 300

The .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge is quite versatile. Whether you’re looking for something that’s flat-shooting or hard-hitting, there’s a load that’s just right.

The SilencerCo Harvester 300 suppressor is a great choice for this cartridge. Whether you’re hunting moose or bighorn sheep, this suppressor will help keep your sound signature down and earn its “harvester” moniker.

Features/Advantages:

• Short and lightweight
• Very affordable for what you’re getting
• Anchor Brake helps reduce felt recoil

Disadvantages:

• Decibel reduction could be better
• Not user-serviceable

Specs: SilencerCo Harvester 300

Caliber: Up to .300 Win Mag

Weight: 11 oz

Length: 8.8”

Sound reduction: 23 dB

Price: $724

THE BEST MULTI-CALIBER HUNTING RIFLE SUPPRESSOR: BANISH 30

Whether you’re hunting small game with a .17-caliber rimfire rifle or big game with the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum, the BANISH 30 has got you covered. Again, we might be a bit biased, but the BANISH 30 is a fantastic multi-caliber, lightweight suppressor that you can take apart and clean yourself.

Depending on what you’re hunting, you can use the BANISH 30 in its full 9” configuration weighing 13 ounces, or you can remove the tube extension and drop it down to just 7” overall weighing 11 ounces.

Features/Advantages:

• User-serviceable
• Can be used with a wide variety of calibers
• All titanium construction means lightweight

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost compared to some sealed stainless steel competitors
• Direct thread only with no quick detach option

Specs: BANISH 30

Caliber: Up to .300RUM

Weight: 10 oz – 13 oz

Length: 7”-9”

Sound reduction: 34 dB

Price: $949

THE BEST HUNTING SUPPRESSOR FOR THE MONEY: Coastal Guns XDS

It has become increasingly more popular to hunt with AR-platform rifles, so it would make sense to have a suppressor on this list that is designed for the .223 and 5.56mm cartridges.

The Coastal Gun XDS (Xtreme Duty Suppressor) is constructed entirely of 4130 chrome-moly steel and is rated for semi-auto and limited full-auto fire (not that you need that while hunting). Plus, the entire unit can be disassembled for cleaning.

Using the standard AR-platform rifle system, the XDS gives a sound signature of about half that of an unsuppressed Ruger MK 3 22LR pistol.

We list this unit as our best bang for your buck because most people have an AR-platform rifle, and for the great price on this suppressor, you’ve got a great can that will pull double-duty for you.

Features/Advantages:

• User-serviceable
• Great product for the price

Disadvantages:

• Limited caliber usage
• At 28 oz, it’s not exactly light

Specs: Coastal Gun XDS

Caliber: .223/5.56

Weight: 28 oz

Length: 8.5”

Sound reduction: 29 dB

Price: $550

THE BEST SUPPRESSED HUNTING RIFLE: Gemtech MIST-22

Alright, so this category is a little different. Instead of just a suppressor, we’re talking about an entire rifle. That’s right, an entire suppressed hunting rifle.

In this instance, we’re going with the Gemtech MIST-22. Most plinkers and/or small game hunters have a Ruger 10/22 rifle. It has become a sort of industry standard in the .22 rifle market.

While you can certainly get a threaded barrel for your Ruger 10/22, why not make the entire gun suppressed? That’s what Gemtech did with the MIST-22. This replacement barrel is integrally suppressed, meaning that once you install it, your suppressor and your rifle are literally one unit!

Able to fit all standard Ruger 10/22 receivers (not takedown) and compatible with virtually any stock that accommodates a bull barrel (.92” outer diameter), the integral MIST-22 silencer is a terrific way to keep your rifle compact without adding the extra length of a standard can.

Features/Advantages:

• Fits the most ubiquitous .22-caliber rifle ever made
• User-serviceable
• Doesn’t add any extra length to the rifle

Disadvantages:

• Cannot be used with takedown receivers
• Can only be used with one kind of gun

Specs: Gemtech MIST-22

Caliber: .22

Weight: 19 oz

Length: 17”

Sound reduction: 40 db

Price: $599

THE BEST SHOTGUN SUPPRESSOR: SilencerCo Salvo 12

OK, you caught us. This isn’t a rifle suppressor. There are, however, a lot of shotgun hunters out there and we didn’t want them to feel left out.

Designed to operate with most pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns and almost all commercially available ammunition, at its full length of 12” the Salvo 12 brings sound down to 136.8 dB at the muzzle with #7 shot.

Even though it’s the only option out there, SilencerCo made sure that it was as versatile as possible. Depending on your intended purpose, you can break it down into configurations of 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12” to allow you to customize the Salvo 12 for sporting clay, waterfowl, turkey hunting, home defense, etc.

Features/Advantages:

• 4 different configuration lengths
• User-serviceable

Disadvantages:

• It’s the only option for shotgun suppressors
• It’s heavy, weighing just shy of 2 pounds
• Cannot use steel shot with the Beretta Optima Modified, Improved Modified, and Full chokes

Specs: SilencerCo Salvo 12 Suppressor

Caliber: 12 gauge

Weight: 34.5 oz

Length: User-configurable from 6”-12” inches

Sound reduction: 24 dB

Price: $999

TAKE A SUPPRESSOR ON YOUR NEXT HUNT

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that your next hunt should be your quietest hunt! Whether you choose one of the options on this list or something else that better suits your needs, Silencer Central is here to make your buying process as easy and cost-effective as possible. We offer free gun trusts,  free thread protectors with barrel threading, and an eZ Pay Plan. Our motto is “Silencer Buying Made Simple,” and we mean it!

With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we’re the nation’s largest silencer dealer. We’re also the only one licensed in all 42 suppressor-legal states that can sell, process, and ship your new suppressor directly to your door. Our experts are ready to help you by phone or email, Monday through Saturday from 8am – 8pm (CT).

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