Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
There are few activities more fun than shooting a suppressed 22. Cheap ammo, little recoil, and the Hollywood-quiet report are a winning combination that thrills both the expert and novice alike. Let’s take a look at Rugged Suppressors’ innovative Mustang22.
Table of contents
Preface
While they have always been legal through the proper channels, suppressor popularity in the US has only become mainstream within the last decade. I attribute this to various reasons like the shift in cultural norms thanks to social media, a greater desire to prevent hearing loss, and most of all, the relative cost reduction of the required tax stamp due to inflation.
The 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA) regulated and imposed a tax on various types of firearms as well as suppressors. The tax was set at two hundred dollars and has remained unchanged since. Having to pay two hundred dollars on top of the cost of your suppressor is an annoyance today but in 1934 it was outright absurd. Calculating for inflation we find that $200 in 1934 would be nearly $4600 in today’s money.
This shows two things. First, politicians always have and always will try to circumvent the Constitution to enact gun control. Second, even inflation has an upside.
Mustang22 Materials
Rugged’s Mustang22 uses 7075 aluminum for the construction of the baffles and body and the mount is grade 5 titanium. This combination makes for a durable product that weighs only 2.4 or 3.3 ounces depending on configuration. The suppressors’ identifying markings are engraved on the direct thread 1/2×28 titanium mount, making it the core component of the suppressor in the eyes of the law. The integrity of these markings is indicative of the life of the suppressor since the engraved component can never be replaced. Having this part made of titanium ensures a long life and less hassle if you ever need to use Rugged’s lifetime warranty.
Modularity
The key feature of this suppressor is its modularity. Being able to use it in either a short or long configuration gives me the flexibility to configure the suppressor to meet a variety of needs.
Swapping between short and long isn’t hard at all. To go from long to short, just use the provided tool to remove the endcap, unscrew the two sections, and replace the endcap on the short section. To go from short to long is just those steps in reverse.
In the short configuration, the Mustang22 measures only 3.4 inches long and weighs 2.4 ounces. This configuration is perfect for use on a rifle. It can fully suppress the report without adding too much length to the barrel. The audible difference between the long and short configurations on a rifle is nearly unnoticeable so the length savings are a definite benefit.
Mustang22 Short Configuration
The short configuration also works on a pistol but I find the report slightly uncomfortable without hearing protection. That in itself isn’t necessarily a nonstarter. Sometimes when hog hunting I carry my Ruger 22/45 Tactical in a chest rig with the shorter suppressor. It still works well enough to keep my ears from ringing and it is more comfortable to carry.
I found that 45gr Federal Suppressor ammo is the quietest. If I plan on carrying my pistol with the short suppressor I make sure this is what I have loaded.
Most of the time though, I keep it in the long configuration. The full 5.3 inches is more cumbersome but I find the added suppression is well worth it. The suppressor profile blends well with the barrel of my pistol so it still makes for a sharp-looking setup.
Superb Engineering
The suppressor contains five removable baffles in each section. These baffles are keyed to reduce carbon buildup within the suppressor. This is a common practice in many suppressors but it is especially important for 22 suppressors which become fouled more quickly than their centerfire counterparts.
The baffles also feature indexing tabs to help you snap them back together the same way after each cleaning. This reduces the need to re-zero your gun after dismantling your suppressor.
During my time with this suppressor, I have not noticed a first-round-pop. First-round-pop describes the common issue where the first shot through a suppressor is louder than the following ones. This happens because there is a larger content of oxygen to combust within the suppressor during the first shot and less after. I don’t know how Rugged mitigated this but it is a welcome feature.
Training New Shooters
Suppressed 22s are so much fun because they are so easy to shoot. Through practice we train ourselves to manage heavy recoil, we become accustomed to wearing hearing protection, and we get used to handling heavy rifles. For the novice, all those aspects of shooting can be uncomfortable if not outright intimidating. I love having a lightweight suppressed 22 rifle and pistol for my enjoyment but also for teaching new shooters.
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A few weeks ago I was at the range shooting some groups for my review of the Savage Mark II FV-SR. After a while, I noticed a man with his son a couple of benches down from me. The man was sighting in his 300 WinMag and his son, I’d guess about 8, was standing far behind him pressing the muffs tight over his ears worriedly repeating how loud it was.
After the man finished, he set the boy behind the rifle and tried to get him to shoot. The man assured him that the recoil wasn’t that bad thanks to a brake he had on the rifle. The boy was still uncomfortable so he went back to his seat far behind the firing line.
A Good First Experience
Once I was done with my groups I offered them the use of my rifle. After the boy heard how quiet it was he agreed to try it out. He sat behind the rifle, distancing himself from it as if it were a wild animal in a flimsy cage. He took a shot and almost immediately his worry subsided. I loaded mags as he continued shooting, growing more confident with each shot. By the time he was done, he had a big smile across his face and was asking his dad if they could get something like my 22.
This is just one example but I have seen plenty of others. Whether it be a child or a novice adult, I think it is very important to make people’s first shooting experience as pleasant as possible. To that point, I can think of nothing more pleasant than a suppressed 22.
Final Thoughts on the Mustang22
I am thoroughly enjoying my Mustang22. I like the ability to adapt its size to my needs and I appreciate the unconditional lifetime warranty. The MSRP is $465 which seems a little high for a 22 suppressor but I have seen it on sale for $365. Due to the nature of the NFA, you will likely have whatever suppressor you buy for life so I recommend getting exactly what you want the first go around. With that in mind, I think this suppressor is worth it.
Check out Rugged’s website for more information on the Mustang 22 or to find a dealer near you.
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despite first round pop I like my silencerco sparrow.if you want to forgo 1st rd shoot a little suppressor foam and it’s quieter. the best part is it disassembles easy even after being fouled badly. and the stainless can be cleaned with harsh chemicals.