Choosing a 22 ARC suppressor starts with the firearm’s action. Chattahoochee Munitions recommends a flow-through suppressor on the gas-operated CM15 AR15 with supersonic ammunition, and an enclosed suppressor on the manually operated CM7S bolt action. Every Chattahoochee Munitions 22 ARC barrel has a shouldered crown and 1/2×28 muzzle threads, and every suppressor must be rated by its maker for 22 ARC and for the barrel length it goes on.
22 ARC Suppressor Basics
- Bore: 22 ARC bullets are .224 inch. A suppressor rated for 5.56 or .22 centerfire has the right bore size, but confirm the maker rates it for 22 ARC, which burns more powder than 223.
- Rating: check the rating for your barrel length. Short barrels such as the 12.5-inch CM7S put more pressure and heat into a suppressor.
- Threads: Chattahoochee Munitions 22 ARC barrels use 1/2×28 threads with a shouldered crown.
- Mounting: direct thread, or a mount on the muzzle device. Each firearm is offered with an optional muzzle brake selection or a thread protector. Check alignment with a bore rod before the first shot.
Supersonic Ammunition and Sound
22 ARC is a supersonic cartridge. Its .224-inch bullets are too light for useful energy below the speed of sound, so it is not loaded subsonic for hunting. A 22 ARC suppressor reduces muzzle blast, but the bullet still makes a sonic crack along its flight path. That crack is why a suppressed 22 ARC still calls for hearing protection. The NIOSH noise guidance explains why impulse noise damages hearing. If quiet subsonic shooting is the goal, see the 375 Raptor in the Raptor Paddock.
22 ARC Suppressor for the CM15: Flow-Through
The CM15 is gas operated. A suppressor raises back pressure in the barrel, which pushes more gas into the action. That can over-gas the rifle, add gas to the shooter’s face and increase wear. A flow-through suppressor vents more gas forward and limits back pressure, so Chattahoochee Munitions recommends a flow-through 22 ARC suppressor on the CM15 with supersonic ammunition. The CM15 also uses a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block and an ODIN Works adjustable buffer, so the rifle can be tuned for suppressed shooting.
- CM15 22 ARC target rifle, 16-inch, rifle-length gas
- CM15 22 ARC DMR, 18-inch, rifle-length gas
- CM15 22 ARC hunting rifle, 20-inch, Rifle +1 gas
- CM15 22 ARC upper, 16-inch
22 ARC Suppressor for the CM7S: Enclosed
The CM7S is a manually operated bolt action. It does not use gas to cycle, so back pressure is not a concern, and no gas vents at the action when it fires. An enclosed suppressor keeps gas in the suppressor longer to reduce muzzle blast, so Chattahoochee Munitions recommends an enclosed 22 ARC suppressor on the CM7S. Its 1:8 twist Mos-Tek barrel comes in 12.5 and 18 inches; the 12.5-inch keeps the suppressed package short.
- CM7S 22 ARC SBR, 12.5-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC pistol, 12.5-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC bolt action, 18-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC short barreled action, 12.5-inch
Point of Impact and Zero
A suppressor adds weight to the muzzle and changes barrel vibration, so point of impact usually moves when it is attached. Zero with the suppressor on if you will hunt with it on. Confirm zero again after removing and reinstalling it.
Suppressed Hunting
A suppressor helps on coyote stands and hog fields, where a quieter shot can keep animals from scattering. Many states allow hunting with a legally owned suppressor, but rules vary. Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act. See 22 ARC for coyotes and hogs and 22 ARC for deer.
Related Guides
See every firearm in Flight Deck 22.
22 ARC Suppressor FAQ
What suppressor should I use on a 22 ARC AR15?
Chattahoochee Munitions recommends a flow-through suppressor on the gas-operated CM15 with supersonic ammunition, rated for 22 ARC and your barrel length.
What suppressor should I use on a 22 ARC bolt action?
An enclosed suppressor. The CM7S does not use gas to cycle, so back pressure is not a concern.
Can I use a 5.56 suppressor on 22 ARC?
Often, since the bore is the same .224 inch, but only if the maker rates it for 22 ARC and your barrel length.
What thread pitch is a 22 ARC barrel?
Chattahoochee Munitions 22 ARC barrels use 1/2×28 threads with a shouldered crown.
Is a suppressed 22 ARC hearing safe?
No. The supersonic bullet still makes a sonic crack, so wear hearing protection.
Does a 22 ARC suppressor change point of impact?
Usually, yes. Zero with the suppressor attached if you will shoot with it on.
Who makes a suppressor-ready 22 ARC?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC AR15 and the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action, all with 1/2×28 threads and a shouldered crown.