Silencerco Switchback 22 – 2019 Suppressor of the Year

Twenty-­two-­caliber suppressors have won this award before, but the new Switchback 22 is the most versatile rimfire can we’ve ever tested — and a great value.

The feature that surprises new shooters is the Switchback 22’s modularity. Five pieces thread together for maximum sound protection that hushes, on average, .22-­caliber rimfire cartridges (and smaller calibers) down to 108 decibels (dB) for rifles to 114 dB for pistols using standard velocity loads. With either platform, those numbers mean that if you happen to be shooting a semiautomatic, the sound of the bolt slamming home and hitting the breech face, and the projectile striking a steel target will be louder than the actual round being fired.

Maximum sound suppression is achieved with a long configuration where the interior baffles behind and forward of the center (black) stage feature the cones in one direction. But if you orient the baffles behind and forward of the center stage in opposing directions, the Switchback 22 is optimized for rifle use.

The Switchback 22 can also be shortened to a medium length where only the forward (silver) stage is used, and a short length where only the rear (silver) stage is used. The sound averages Increase accordingly, but for shooters needing to consider the weight and overall barrel length when using a suppressed rifle or handgun, this modularity is unmatched, convenient and easy to use. Total length ranges between just 2½ inches to 5¾ inches depending on configuration. The diameter is only 1.07 inches. Being made of stainless steel, the baffles are easy to access and clean. The tubes, however, are made of titanium for strength and light weight.

The best part about the Switchback 22 is that it has a suggested retail of $499, not including the price of the NFA tax stamp, of course. It handedly deserves this year’s accolades.

For more information: SilencerCo, 801-417-5384, silencerco.com