94th Day of Silence: The BANISH 22 A Quiet & Effective Tool for Small Game Hunting & Pest Control

Last updated: July 11, 2026 · Originally published: July 19, 2026

The BANISH 22 A Quiet & Effective Tool for Small Game Hunting & Pest Control

Day 94 of the Silence Challenge
Over the past several days, we’ve featured everything from heavy-duty 5.56 suppressors to specialized hunting builds. Today on Day 94, we’re shifting focus to rimfire with the BANISH 22. One of the most practical and fun suppressors you can own.The BANISH 22 is the featured suppressor and official prize for Day 94 of the Silence Challenge on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Sometimes the best suppressed experiences don’t come from big rifles,  they come from a quiet .22 and the right load in the right situation.
When most people think about suppressors, they picture big centerfire rifles or tactical setups. But some of the most practical and enjoyable suppressed shooting happens with rimfire,  specifically with a good .22 LR suppressor like the BANISH 22.
The BANISH 22 is lightweight, user-serviceable, and extremely effective at reducing the already modest report of a .22 LR. When paired with the right ammunition, it becomes an outstanding tool for both small game hunting and pest control.

Why the BANISH 22 Excels at This Type of Work

The .22 LR is already one of the quietest centerfire or rimfire cartridges available. Adding the BANISH 22 takes it to another level. With subsonic ammunition, the shot becomes exceptionally quiet and often quiet enough that you can shoot without hearing protection in many situations (though we still recommend it for safety).
Because there’s no sonic crack with proper subsonic loads, the BANISH 22 helps you stay stealthy in the woods or around properties without alerting every animal (or neighbor) in the area. This makes it ideal for hunting squirrels and rabbits, or for managing pests like rats, groundhogs, and snakes on farms or rural properties.

Assorted rifle ammunition boxes and loose bullets on a wooden table at an outdoor firing range, targets in the background.

Best .22 LR Loads for Small Game and Pest Control

Not all .22 ammunition performs the same when suppressed. Here are some of the most effective loads for different tasks:

For Small Game Hunting (Squirrels & Rabbits)

  • CCI Mini-Mag 36gr or 40gr Hollow Point — A longtime favorite among small game hunters. It offers reliable expansion and good accuracy while remaining effective on squirrels and rabbits out to 50–75 yards.
  • Federal Game-Shok 38gr Lead Hollow Point — An excellent value option that expands well and is popular for clean, ethical kills on small game.
  • Winchester Super-X Power-Point 40gr — A heavier bullet that provides good penetration and expansion, making it a solid choice for rabbits and slightly larger small game.
  • CCI Velocitor 40gr Hollow Point — A step up in velocity and energy. Great when you need a little more reach or performance on tougher small game.

For Pest Control (Rats, Snakes, & Nuisance Animals)

  • CCI Suppressor 45gr Hollow Point — Specifically designed for suppressed shooting. It’s subsonic, expands reliably, and is one of the best all-around choices when running a suppressor.
  • CCI Segmented Hollow Point / Quiet-22 Segmented HP — The bullet breaks into multiple pieces on impact, creating devastating wound channels on small pests while reducing the chance of over-penetration.
  • CCI Rimfire Shotshell (Rat Shot) — Loaded with #12 shot instead of a single bullet. Extremely effective for snakes and very close-range pest control in barns, sheds, or chicken coops.
  • Eley Subsonic Hollow Point — Premium subsonic ammunition known for excellent accuracy and reliable expansion. A great choice when precision matters.

The Advantage of Shooting Suppressed

Using the BANISH 22 for small game and pest control offers several real-world benefits:

  • Stealth: Animals are far less likely to be spooked by the shot.
  • Hearing protection: The combination of a suppressor and subsonic ammo makes extended shooting sessions much more comfortable.
  • Property-friendly:  Much easier to use near homes or in suburban/rural interface areas without disturbing neighbors.
  • Ethical performance: The right hollow point loads deliver quick, clean kills on small game while minimizing meat damage.

Whether you’re sitting on a squirrel stand at first light or walking fence lines looking for rats and groundhogs, the BANISH 22 turns a .22 LR into a much more effective and enjoyable tool.

How to enter The 94th Day of Silence

Entry to The 94th Day of Silence is free and takes about two minutes. The window opens at 10:00 AM CT and closes at 10:00 PM CT on July 19, 2026. No purchase necessary. 21+. U.S. residents only, except residents of CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI, FL, and DC. All giveaways require a separate entry. Winners posted to the Winners Page and emailed the following day. See Official Rules: popularsuppressors.com/100-days-of-silence/official-rules/ Void in any other state or locality where suppressor ownership is prohibited or where this giveaway is otherwise restricted by law.

Who can enter The 94th Day of Silence?

U.S. residents 21 years of age or older may enter, except residents of CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI, FL, and DC. All giveaways require a separate entry. Void where prohibited by law.

How are winners notified?

Winners are posted to the Winners Page on PopularSuppressors.com and emailed the following day. Winners must return a signed affidavit by physical mail to Brand Avalanche Media, Inc., 4343 16th St #161, Moline, IL 61265.

Day 94 of Silencer Central’s 100 Days of Silence. One hundred days, one hundred giveaways, one shared mission: bring more shooters into the suppressor world. All giveaways require a separate entry.
About the author — James Nicholas (The XDMAN)
07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer · Professional Gunsmith for over 20 years · Firearms Writer, Photographer, and Firearms Expert. The XDMAN has a talent for taking complex firearms subject matter and breaking it down into an easy-to-understand format that all experience levels can relate to.
Follow on social: Instagram · X · Facebook · More from James Nicholas
FTC disclosure: This article is part of Silencer Central’s 100 Days of Silence, a sponsored editorial campaign on PopularSuppressors.com. Prizes are provided through the campaign. Editorial views are the author’s own. Brand Avalanche Media, Inc. operates PopularSuppressors.com.
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James Nicholas

07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer & Professional Gunsmith

The XDMAN has a talent for taking complex firearms subject matter and breaking it down into an easy-to-understand format that all experience levels can relate to. James is an 07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer, a Professional Gunsmith with over 20 years of experience, and a Firearms Writer, Photographer and Firearms Expert. Connect with him on Instagram, X, and Facebook as @therealxdman.