MY IMPRESSIONS
The Banish 22 is rated to tame any rimfire cartridge .22 caliber and smaller, as well as the centerfire FN 5.7x28. Upon opening the big box, I was surprised to find such a small, light device. Given that it is expected to quiet a .22 WMR or .17 HMR cartridge, I expected something a bit bigger and heavier! This paper-light can would be an unnoticeable addition to the weight of any rifle or pistol.
The Banish 22 is made from lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant titanium. Primarily known for building jet aircraft and space vehicles, it is the perfect material choice for a .22 can. Notoriously dirty, .22 rimfire ammunition leaves behind unburned powder residue, bullet lube, and even traces of lead when fired. Titanium resists corrosion from all this debris.
Related: Plinking on Mute with the Silencer Central Banish 22 and 22K
This can is well designed. Its interior is made of eight indexed baffles that fit perfectly together to trap and redirect expelled gas from the firearm muzzle. This is the secret to making the gun quiet. I examined these baffles upon disassembly, and they fit together tightly to prevent any contact with the outside suppressor tube. That requires close tolerances. The inside of the outer housing tube will never corrode and allows easy disassembly for cleaning as needed.
Cleaning is recommended every 100 rounds, but I fired more than that through the Banish before cleaning it, with no ill effects. Cleaning can be done by hand easily with a nylon brush like an old toothbrush and cleaners like Simple Green or Dawn dishwashing detergent. If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, you can simply place the internal baffles in it with soapy water and allow the high-intensity vibration to do all the work. I like that idea.
Once cleaned and dried, stack the baffles so that the witness marks align. Place the stack back inside the tube, screw the end cap on to seal the assembly, and you are ready to go shooting again.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Caliber rating: Rimfire .22 and centerfire 5.7x28mm
- Overall length: 5 3/8 inches
- Diameter: 1 inch
- Baffles: Eight
- Weight: 4.1 ounces
- Material: Titanium
- Finish: Gun Kote
- Thread pitch: 1/2x28
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Full-auto rated
The Firearms
I selected three firearms to test the Banish 22. My Ruger 10/22 rifle chambered in .22 LR is famous for its reliability and is well known to most American shooters. I purchased this used rifle many years ago. It was easy to swap a heavy threaded barrel for the original, as the 10/22 is highly customizable.
Second, my Ruger Mark III 22/45 semi-auto pistol is also chambered in .22 LR. As with the 10/22 rifle, it is well known, accurate, and a good host for any suppressor. The Banish 22 must make the guns quiet while allowing the actions of both Ruger firearms to cycle properly without jamming. This is the ultimate test of a .22 suppressor, I feel.
Related Review: My Quiet Practice Gun – Ruger’s .22 Mark III Target Model
My third choice was the Bergara BMR-X Carbon bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 WMR. I have found this lightweight rifle to be reliable and accurate. The higher-pressure .22 Magnum jacketed bullets leave the muzzle traveling much faster and with much more muzzle blast than the smaller .22 LR. This rifle would test the Banish 22’s ability to handle a more powerful round.
SHOOTING TIME
A calm, sunny day at Area 52 in Southern Arizona made for excellent conditions for a sound test with the Banish 22. We set up one steel target and several root beer jugs to test accuracy.
Although not a loud rifle, the Ruger 10/22 does bark a bit when fired unsuppressed. The Banish 22 has a direct thread end cap that matches the 1/2x28 threads of the Ruger. Holding the rifle offhand in my shooting stance, I could not feel any weight or balance difference with the can attached. It wasn’t visible through my riflescope while aiming, and the suppressor’s diameter matches the barrel so well that it appears to be a simple extension of the barrel.
Shooting revealed a clicking sound as the action cycled and ejected empty brass. There was no difference in accuracy on my target. Did I mention that the Banish 22 is full-auto rated? Sadly, I do not own a .22-caliber machine gun, but rapid fire was smooth with my 25-round Ruger magazine. No jams nor failures to cycle were encountered with the Banish 22-equipped 10/22.
Next was my Ruger Mark III 22/45 semi-auto .22 pistol. With its short 5-inch bull barrel, the Mark III is extremely loud unsuppressed. The suppressor adds over 5 inches of length, but there was no noticeable change in the pistol’s balance or weight. Sound reduction was amazing. The pistol clicks as it is fired, but no muzzle blast is heard. Most importantly, accuracy was unchanged and no jams nor cycling problems were encountered with the Ruger Mark III.
Finally, I tested the Banish 22 on the powerful .22 WMR Bergara BMR-X Carbon rifle. A few unsuppressed shots confirmed that the report is loud and sharp. The Banish fit this rifle well and seemed to be an extension of the barrel. I didn’t notice any weight difference, and it did not appear in the field of view through my scope. Sound reduction was great! I could shoot this powerful rifle all day and hear only the ding of steel being hit. Accuracy was unchanged on my steel target at 95 yards, and no mechanical problems were encountered with the Bergara.
PROS & CONS
