Whether you’re a small game hunter a rimfire enthusiast, a new shooter, or just someone looking to change things up, the .17HMR is a great option to consider.
You can reap the benefits of a more powerful cartridge than the .22LR while still keeping things quiet with a suppressor. If that sounds intriguing to you, be sure to read on and find out all about .17HMR and suppressors.
Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- Understanding the 17 HMR
- Hunting with the 17 HMR
- Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor
- Top Suppressor Models for the 17 HMR
- Why It’s Worth Shooting Suppressed
- Shoot Your Best Shot -Shop Silencers Today!
Table of Contents
Understanding the 17 HMR
Hornady came up with the .17HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) in 2002 by necking down the .22WMR to accept a .17-caliber bullet. The result was a cartridge that shoots faster and flatter than the .22LR while still maintaining the simplicity of a rimfire cartridge.
Both guns and ammo for the .17HMR have become more available in recent years, and while the ammo is more expensive than other rimfire cartridges, it’s still less expensive than centerfire ammo.
It’s also an incredibly popular cartridge for small game and varmint hunters.
Hunting with the 17 HMR
The .17HMR is a death sentence for prairie dogs. Hunters absolutely love this cartridge because of its performance. You can hit harder and farther with the .17HMR than with other rimfire cartridges, which is important because prairie dogs can require some long distance shots to really take out their towns.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor
The majority of the suppressors that you’ll find that are compatible with the .17HMR cartridge are also perfectly suited to a variety of rimfire calibers. This is a good thing because you’ll more than likely end up with a can that is capable of use on a number of different firearm hosts in a number of different rimfire calibers that you own.
You also need to consider the host gun when looking for a .17HMR suppressor. Because it is a smaller rimfire cartridge, the guns aren’t as heavy as other hunting rifles. This means that a suppressor of one weight and length might be fine for some applications, but not for others. There’s no right or wrong answer here; just take it all into consideration before parting with your hard-earned money.
CategoryNameCaliberWeightLengthPrice Best OverallBANISH 22Up to 5.7×284.4 oz5.375″$499 ShortestSilencerCo Switchback 22Up to 5.7×283.7 oz or 6.9 oz2.8″ to 5.75″$539 Most DurableRugged Oculus22Up to 5.7×2810.7 oz or 12.8 oz3.25″ or 5.25″$515 Most AffordableSilencerCo SparrowUp to 5.7×286.5 oz5.08″$349 Easiest MaintenanceDead Air MaskUp to 5.7×286.6 oz5.1″$469
Top Suppressor Models for the 17 HMR
There are a lot of suppressors to choose from that are well suited to the .17HMR, but here are our top choices:
Best Overall: BANISH 22 
The BANISH 22 suppressor is designed for use with rimfire pistols and rifles chambered in .22 caliber and smaller. This includes .22 Magnum, .17HMR, and even 5.7×28. It’s even rated for full-auto!
The BANISH 22 is made of lightweight titanium, weighs just 4.4 oz, is 1” in diameter, and is only 5 ⅜” long. Tests have shown that the BANISH 22 brings sound down to about 120 decibels, which is just 10 decibels more than a BB-gun. Essentially, this is as close to “Hollywood quiet” as you can get.
The BANISH 22 was designed specifically to maximize your time shooting and minimize your time cleaning. Inside the tube are eight baffles that are engineered for a precise fit to keep lead debris and carbon buildup at an absolute minimum. This prevents the debris and buildup from reaching the tube, which causes components to fuse together.
If you’re looking for the perfect first-time silencer purchase or you’re just looking to make your .17HMR quieter, the BANISH 22 is a great option. It’s ideal for varmint shooting, small game hunting, target practice, and more.
Advantages:
- Design is less susceptible to first-round pop
- Titanium construction is super lightweight
- Great sound suppression
Disadvantages:
- Not modular in length
BANISH 22 Specs:
- Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
- Weight: 4.4 oz
- Length: 5.375″
- Price: $499
Shortest: SilencerCo Switchback 22
According to SilencerCo, the design for the Switchback 22 was “inspired by technology used in rocket and jet propulsion, when oriented in one direction the front section exhibits the most competitive sound reduction on the market for pistols, but when the orientation is flipped the result is unprecedented sound reduction on rifles.”
Tests for the Switchback 22 show that the report is brought down to as low as 108 decibels in its long configuration on a rifle, and down to 142 decibels in its short configuration on a pistol.
The Switchback 22 can be configured at 2 ½”, 3.59”, or 5 ¾”, is just 1.07” in diameter, and weighs 3.2, 4.3, or 6.5 ounces. If you’re looking for a compact .17HMR suppressor, then this is it!
Like the BANISH 22, the Switchback 22 can be used on calibers as small as .17WSM and .17HMR and up to the 5.7×28 cartridge. As an extra bonus, it’s rated for full-auto fire, so go ahead and send it!
Since rimfire ammo is notoriously dirty, the ability to completely disassemble this suppressor is a big plus. Instead of using solvents or foams and hoping that you get all the nooks and crannies clean inside a sealed suppressor, the SilencerCo Switchback can be taken completely apart.
Advantages:
- Three different lengths for ultimate modularity
- Fantastic sound suppression
- Incredibly short and light in smallest configuration
Disadvantages:
- Tied for heaviest on the list
SilencerCo Switchback 22 Specs:
- Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
- Weight: 3.7 oz to 6.9 oz
- Length: 2.8″ to 5.75″
- Price: $539
Most Durable: Rugged Oculus22
Constructed from 100% 17-4 stainless steel, the Rugged Oculus22 is extremely durable and capable of being cleaned by almost any cleaning method. You don’t have to worry about solvent interaction if you choose to use an ultrasonic cleaner instead of elbow grease.
Equipped with Rugged’s ADAPT modular technology, that means that you don’t have to choose between a long suppressor and a short one. You can switch it up depending on your needs.
This Oculus22 has baffles with indexing tabs for a repeatable return to zero after cleaning. The keyed baffles create a gas seal to prevent carbon and gas build-up.
The Oculus22 is belt-fed rated for .22LR and is full-auto rated for 22 Magnum to 5.7x28mm, making it an easy choice for guns in .17HMR.
Advantages:
- Stainless steel construction is extremely durable
- Modular design
- No discernible first-round pop in full configuration
Disadvantages:
- Tied for heaviest on the list
Rugged Oculus22 Specs:
- Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
- Weight: 10.7 oz or 12.8 oz
- Length: 3.25″ or 5.25″
- Price: $515
Most Affordable: SilencerCo Sparrow
SilencerCo’s Sparrow is super simple, which also makes it super affordable. Inside is a monolithic core baffle covered with two half tubes that cover and separate it from the outer tube. This design helps the core stay as clean as possible to prevent buildup or fusion – it also makes it easier and less expensive to manufacture.
Tests for the Sparrow show that the report is brought down to 112 decibels, which is also just a tiny amount louder than a BB gun.
Like most .22-caliber suppressors, the Sparrow is small. It is only 5.08” long, is just 1.06” in diameter, and weighs 6.5 ounces.
You’re not limited just to .22s here since the Sparrow can be used on calibers as small as .17WSM and .17HMR and up to the 5.7x28mm cartridge. As an extra bonus, it’s rated for full-auto fire.
When it comes to cleanup after shooting notoriously dirty rimfire ammo, you can clean more easily since the SilencerCo Sparrow can be taken completely apart.
Advantages:
- Most affordable option on the list
- Rated for plenty of other calibers besides .17HMR
- Great sound suppression
Drawbacks:
- Monolithic core harder to clean in nooks and crannies than separate baffles
SilencerCo Sparrow Specs:
- Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Length: 5.08″
- Price: $349
Easiest Maintenance: Dead Air Mask
With little to no first-round-pop on both rifles and pistols, the Dead Air Mask provides a balance of performance, weight, and extraordinary cleaning intervals that are unmatched by the competition. That makes it great for use with the .17HMR cartridge.
The Mask’s stainless steel baffles feature proprietary stand-offs, minimizing surface area contact with the titanium tube. This makes complete disassembly easy even on the dirtiest of specimens that have had tons of rimfire ammo through them. It’s also why the Mask takes our top spot for the easiest maintenance.
Advantages:
- Baffle stand-offs aid in disassembly
- Rugged titanium and stainless steel construction
- Second shortest of the fixed length suppressors on the list
Drawbacks:
- Second heaviest on the list
Dead Air Mask Specs:
- Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
- Weight: 6.6 oz
- Length: 5.1″
- Price: $459
Why It’s Worth Shooting Suppressed
Even though a suppressor is essentially just a firearm accessory, the law doesn’t treat them like that. In fact, they’re regulated more like guns (more so actually) than the accessories that they actually are.
Despite these extra steps, it’s still worth the time and money it takes to getting a suppressor, and here’s why:
Enhanced Shooting Accuracy
Even though the .17HMR doesn’t produce a lot of felt recoil, shooters can still benefit from the reduced recoil provided by using a suppressor. This can allow you to make successful shots at greater distances, which is always a good thing.
Increased Hearing Protection
The .17HMR isn’t a super loud cartridge anyway, but it can still cause hearing damage if shot without proper protection. Using a suppressor brings the decibel levels down to a hearing safe level so that you can shoot safely to your heart’s content.
Situational Awareness
Using a suppressor with .17HMR means that you don’t have to wear traditional hearing protection. This allows you to be more aware of the sounds in your surroundings. You can also better appreciate the sounds of nature around you, whether you’re just target hunting or taking down a prairie dog town.
Shoot Your Best Shot -Shop Silencers Today!
The market for suppressors has never been more diverse than it is today, and narrowing it down to the right one for you and your specific .17HMR needs can be confusing. Thankfully, our staff has been shooting and selling suppressors for more than 15 years. As such, we’ve got a pretty good handle on which silencers stand out in this big crowd. If you’re having trouble deciding, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll happily talk you through the options and then, when you’re ready, get you on your way to .17HMR silencer ownership and suppressed shooting in the most affordable way possible!
