Hey all-

I'm looking to pick up a .22 LR can for a bolt action rifle, primarily. Extra points if it would also work on a 10/22.
Is the Sparrow my best option?
Any significantly cheaper options out there that I should consider?

Thanks,

Bruce

I have a Sparrow that I originally bought because I liked the idea on a mono-core. Now that I've had it a couple years and have picked up several other rimfire cans, I can say I wouldn't buy it again. It's not that it's a bad can, but the mono-core design doesn't do well with FRP (first round pop) on pistols. I realize you're intended use is rifles, but like many things one of these days you'll be wanting to put it on a pistol.

For the same or similar price you can get into newer cans such as the Mask, Axiom, or Oculus (this is next on my list btw). Or, for less money you can get a Spectre II which itself is still a very good can and one of my personal favorites. The Mask and Spectre are stacked baffle designs which I think is easier to clean than a mono-core. While the Axiom is K-baffles inside a sleeve design, also making for relatively painless removal/cleaning (as rimfire cans go).

There are many other good cans out there too which I'm sure someone will sing the praises of. Overall though I would say look beyond the Sparrow at some of the newer offerings.

I've used a Sparrow, an AWC Valkyrie and an AAC Pilot on the 10/22 takedown with no issues and on the Ruger American Rimfire bolt action with no issues. It's just a matter of what's in stock for you and what you're willing to spend. The Sparrow is a monocore so it's a little easier to clean. but like SigM4 said, FRP. I primary use it on my SW22 pistol. My Dead Air Mask should be here next month. Hopefully. Hitting the 10 month mark soon.

I don't have a lot of experience with .22 cans, I only have about 750 rounds through my Dead Air Mask but, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. My second choice was going to be Spectre II, the Oculus had not came out yet but I still think I would have picked the Mask.

I have a Sparrow SS that gets used on a 10/22, Ruger American, and a Ruger Mark III. If I wasn't listening for it I wouldn't notice the first round pop. It's there but not significant as far as I'm concerned. Overall I'm happy with it.

I have a Sparrow on my Marlin .22 bolt gun. It's very quiet, quieter than any other suppressed weapon I have experienced. The Sparrow did have a loud first round pop on a P226-22 pistol so I ended up getting a Spectre II for the pistol and it has less FRP.

What I have experienced is the Sparrow seems overall quietest for rifle use, and the Spectre II seems overall quietest for pistol use.

I have a Sparrow and a Mask and would go with the Mask if I were buying again... or the Rugged Oculus, that's a sweet little can. There should be no problem getting what you want, all of the distributors are sitting on stock right now.

If my local dealer had a Mask, I would've got one.
I did get a YHM Stinger recently and absolutely love it compared to my monocore Gemtech. So much quieter, with almost non-existent FRP.

I would say consider rating and materials. I bought the Sparrow because it is made out of steel and rated full auto up to 5.7mm. Also it has steel plates over the core that helps with cleaning and dissassembly. That ruggedness comes with a cost in weight however. I run the Sparrow on a Ruger 10/22, Mark II, and CZ 455. The autos are MORE reliable with the can, and i'd dare say more accurate. Same with the CZ, which was surprising. I like the fact that the Sparrow has the o-ring to keep the threads clean, though to get the most benefit you need your barrel threaded to their drawing. Considering the tax and wait I felt buying a durable quality can up front was worth the cost. I would definitely look at other options though based on your personal preferences.

I've seen lots of offers from the big on-line dealers where if you buy a rifle can they'll throw in a .22 rimfire can.

Of course you have to pay for the stamps, but it's still a pretty good deal.

I'm glad I have the original aluminum Sparrow and never upgraded it to stainless steel.

On rifles it is great and on pistols it is fine. Some FRP but not nearly as bad as the new ones.

If I had to buy today I'd get a Mask probably.

Have Sparrow myself. Its good, but as mentioned, the FRP on pistols is significant. Its also hard to remove and clean, at least it has been for me.

I'll throw my recommendation out there for the Ruger Silent-SR...GREAT tone to it. Similarly priced. There no FRP on it. Assembles and disassembles easily. I'm very pleased with it. I have a Mask in jail, probably will be another forever until I get it as I submitted my paperwork on the last day before 41f implemetion, lol. Cant wait to compare the Mask to the Ruger Silent-SR

I have 6 rimfire cans, including the Sparrow, Mask, and Spectre II. I only use the Sparrow on rifles and it's fine there. I don't care for it on pistols because of the FRP.

The Mask and Spectre II sound very close, but the Mask is a little shorter and has a slightly better tone.

I wouldn't consider the Sparrow again.

Okay, the DeadAir Mask sounds like a good choice.
Any suggestions on where to buy?

I don't see any dealers listed for S. Nevada.

Bruce

I have the Sparrow, Dead Air Mask and the Surefire SF Ryder 22-A. All of them run great on my 10/22's and .22 pistols. If I could only have one it would be the Mask.

I have an Axiom and am pretty pleased with it. I wouldn't let price be a huge factor with the stamp comprising a significant fraction of any rimfire can. If the HPA ever passes, I'll buy a few more.

Was browsing in the store...new issue of Recoil magazine has some reviews of 22 suppressors. Editors pick was Thunder Beast Arms for three hundred something bucks list price. Mask was reviewed as well IIRC. They mentioned it was quiet but also mentioned POA shift I think, but don't quote me. Should have just bought the magazine LOL.

I have the Mask, Spectre II and Sparrow. I would choose them in that order. If owning 3 Masks would be boring I could happy that way too.