By Jeff Johnston, FE Hunting & Shooting Editor
So you’ve got a suppressor, probably a titanium .30 caliber that’ll cover most of your rifles, but you want another one or two. (If you jump through the government hoops of buying one, you might as well buy two or more because it’s the same amount of work if you buy them in a batch.)
If you ask me, which you didn’t, I’d say now go for a dedicated rimfire can to put an .22 auto pistol because it’ll end up being the most used gun in your safe—especially if you have kids or asshole neighbors who think squirrels are pets. There are many great ones, but I like SilencerCo’s Switchback 22 because it can be assembled in three different length configurations for handguns and rifles. Of course the longer the tube the better for reducing noise, but all three mitigate a .22’s pop enough to forgo wearing hearing protection, and that’s the goal here. It costs about $500 plus the $200 stamp—the tax fee that our government should pay us for voluntarily using such a great health-promoting device that will save healthcare costs in the future.
The third silencer I’d buy is also from SilencerCo (why not keep it simple with one order?) but it’s on the other end of the caliber spectrum. The Hybrid 46M is about as tough, versatile and effective as suppressors get, thanks to its extremely sturdy all-steel build, its .46-caliber bore diameter and a modular design that allows for two length configurations. Naturally it can be used on any rifle up to .46 caliber, including the damn scary .460 Weatherby Magnum. With a piston installed it’s great for large handguns such as 10mms, but I bought one mainly for use on lever action .44s and my Henry .45-70. Its only downside is that it’s on the heavy side, but I think you’ll feel better about that extra weight once you screw it on to your .460 Weatherby Mag and slide the safety forward.
Whatever you choose, now’s the time to buy because at the time of this writing, applications are being processed and granted in as little as four days.
Cost: Switchback 22: $540; Hybrid 46M: $1,170
Switchback Pros: Lightweight; three configurations for rifles and handguns; great value
Cons: None
Hybrid 46M Pros: for use on any gun of .46 caliber or less, including full autos
Cons: Heavy
