Suppressors are the epitome of cool, but they can be intimidating.
I mean, submitting paperwork to the ATF, paying a tax stamp, and playing the waiting game can feel like a big commitment. (But, hey, we do make that easier with our guide on How to Buy a Suppressor Online.)
If you’re still on the fence. Don’t worry! You can go ahead and prep for a suppressor before actually committing to one. How? With a suppressor-ready firearm.
So, let’s go over what makes a gun “suppressor-ready” and, most importantly, talk about some of the best ones you can buy.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Striker-Fired Option
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Best .45 ACP Host
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Best .22LR to Suppress
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Best DA/SA 9mm Host
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best Suppressor-Ready Handguns
The editorial staff at Pew Pew Tactical all contributed to this article, including both freelance writers and editors. We started by asking our team what their recommendations would be for the best suppressor-ready handguns. We then spent hands-on time with the models listed. Every product mentioned has been tested, fired, or owned by someone here at Pew Pew Tactical
For testing purposes, we require all pistols to be shot at a minimum of 5 yards and 7 yards with both FMJ training rounds and JHP defensive rounds. Each pistol must also undergo a minimum of 500 rounds, though most have seen thousands put through them. These pistols have been tested with suppressors to ensure they cycle and perform well.
The models that made our list were evaluated to be the best in terms of features, reliability, ergonomics, value, and compatibility with common suppressors.
Best Suppressor-Ready Handguns
1. Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 – Best Striker-Fired Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accurate
- Reliable
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Weight: 28 oz
- Optic-Ready: Model-dependent
While the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 comes in a standard stock configuration, the company does offer threaded barrel models.
Going this route nets you the familiar and reliable design of the M&P brand but the added benefit of tossing a suppressor on the end. Kind of a win-win.
The M&P ships in either 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP so you have some caliber options. Pricing is also pretty comparable to the CZ P-09 at around $599 MSRP. Not bad for a model you can immediately toss a can on.
This pistol series comes in either black or FDE and has the option of tall white dot steel sights, TFX night sights, or plain ‘ole white dots.
You can read more about the M&P in our full review!
2. FNX-45 Tactical – Best .45 ACP Suppressor Host
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Aggressive grip texture
- Optic-ready
Cons
- Long, heavy DA trigger pull
- Limited aftermarket support
- Heavy and bulky
Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, double-action/single-action
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 5.3″
- Weight: 33 oz
- Optic-Ready: Yes
Alright, I may be somewhat biased here, but the FNX-45 Tactical is one of the best suppressor-ready guns you can buy.
Let’s take a second to ignore all the bells and whistles this gun sports: the optic-ready slide, interchangeable backstraps, de-cocker, and everything else.
The FNX-45 Tactical also comes with a threaded barrel and suppressor height night sights. This behemoth, paired with the Osprey 45, is a match made in gun heaven!
Learn more about the FNX-45 by reading our review here!
3. Ruger Mark IV – Best .22LR to Suppress
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reliable
- Good ergonomics
- Customizable
Cons
- Limited capacity
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 4.4″, 5.5″
- Weight: 34 oz
- Optic-Ready: Model-dependent
If you’re a video game geek like myself, you already knew this one was going to make the list — the classic Hitman “.22 suppressed” gun.
Although most people turn their noses up at the thought of shooting a .22 LR handgun, the Mk IV is peak performance.
Its barrel is short enough to prevent standard supersonic ammo from reaching sound barrier speeds.
Anything you put through this will be quieter than the tapping of a pen. Plus, it comes with a threaded barrel and a Picatinny rail for any red dot you want.
Don’t sleep on .22 LR because you might just miss out on this super stealthy shooter.
4. CZ P-09 – Best DA/SA 9mm Host
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Picatinny accessory rail
- Great capacity
- Solid home-defense pistol
Cons
- Lack of aftermarket options
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, double action/single action
- Capacity: 21+1
- Barrel Length: 5.2″
- Weight: 32 oz
- Optic-Ready: Model-dependent
We can’t, in good conscience, make a list of guns without including a CZ. Like, for real, someone will come for us. So, to please the CZ fanboys, we’re tossing in the CZ P-09.
While this gun can be purchased in stock configuration, you do have the option of upgrading to a suppressor-ready model…if you just have to have a CZ.
Featuring a 9mm hammered design, the CZ P-09 brings a capacity of 21+1. So, you got a lot of ammo at your disposal.
The CZ P-09 uses black polymer grips with interchangeable backstraps for a more comfortable shooting experience. It also sports the Omega DA/SA trigger system.
Tried the CZ P-09? Rate it below!
Honorable Mentions
These are guns that we feel deserve a spot on the list but haven’t undergone the same level of testing or evaluation as the aforementioned models.
5. Beretta M9A3
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft recoil
- Reliable
Cons
- No suppressor-height sights
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action/double action
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 5.1″
- Weight: 33 oz
- Optic-Ready: Model-dependent
You either hate it or love it. If you served in the military any time before the M17 was introduced, you probably hate it. But the M9 is a battle-proven workhorse. It just works.
With its 180-degree ejection port, the M9 mitigates most jams and stovepipes. Plus, you can shoot shotgun rounds in a pinch.
More reasons why it’s great for suppressing? It has low gas blowback and you don’t need a Nielson device for your suppressor…which keeps prices lower.
The M9A3 sports a threaded barrel, but no suppressor height sights. Kind of confusing if you ask me.
Also, it’s not optic-ready if you’re into that kind of thing (other variants are optic-ready). Sorry Beretta, you could have come harder than that.
6. HK45 Compact Tactical
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Suppressor-height sights come standard
- Super reliable
Cons
- Limited capacity
Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, double action/single action
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 4.6″
- Weight: 29 oz
- Optic-Ready: No
Another .45 ACP offering for all our sneaky sneaks out there, the HK45 Compact Tactical is a great option.
It comes out of the box with an optics-ready slide, suppressor height sights, and threaded barrel.
Unfortunately, it only carries an underwhelming 10 rounds when it feels like it should hold more.
HK has proven, without a doubt, that they are capable of engineering top-tier guns.
The HK45 Compact Tactical is no exception. Try naming another compact .45 ACP handgun that can suppress like a knife cutting through warm butter. You can’t.
7. Nighthawk Custom GRP
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Suppressor-height sights come standard
- High-class vibes
- It's a 1911!
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm, .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Weight: 37 oz
- Optic-Ready: No
This one goes out to all those with too much money to spend and undying loyalty to America, freedom, and — before all else — the 1911.
At a whopping $4,200, the Nighthawk Custom GRP is a great showpiece. You can upgrade it to a suppressor-ready handgun for about $450.
For a threaded barrel and suppressor height sights, so I guess that’s not horrible?!
Available in .45 ACP or 9mm, this expensive firearm can be scaled to fit your needs no matter who you are. That is, as long as you got the dough.
What Makes a Gun “Suppressor-Ready?”
Handguns come in three main categories when it comes to suppressing.
The first is where most handguns fall, and that’s your regular, everyday stock pistol. That means an unthreaded barrel, ordinary recoil springs, and regular-height sights. To get these suppressor-ready, you’ll need to drop additional cash to swap out some parts and add some accessories.
The second category is a little closer to throwing a suppressor on. These handguns have some features that can work with suppressors, but they weren’t necessarily built for that purpose. Think handguns with threaded barrels but no suppressor-height sights. You’ll still one or two more upgrades to really commit to the suppressor-ready idea.
The third category includes guns that are purpose-built to run a suppressor. They come supplied with suppressor-height sights and threaded barrel and are designed to be paired with a suppressor. A lot of guns marketed as “tactical” fall into this category.
Make Your Current Gun Suppressor-Ready
If you don’t choose to nab one of the above models, that’s cool, too. You can always outfit your regular gun with a threaded barrel, which will allow you to pop a suppressor on and roll.
Some models we love are the Lone Wolf Alpha and Faxon Firearms’ models.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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(We have a whole article dedicated to Glock barrels if you are outfitting a Glock. If you have a Sig P365, check out our Upgrades Article for goodies there!)
While you’re tricking your gun out, you might also want to look into raised sights, as these make shooting with a can that much easier.
We love Trijicon’s Bright & Tough Night Sight Suppressor Set for Glocks!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Again, you can check out our article on the best aftermarket sights for some recommendations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to enter the world of suppressor ownership, then one of these suppressor-ready firearms will surely help you accomplish that goal.
They’re ready to run straight to the range with you and your can!
Aside from the obvious, suppressor-ready firearms also come with their own perks. They’re cool, capable, and just plain fun!
Which suppressor-ready handgun is your favorite? As always, let us know in the comments below. Interested in suppressors? Learn How to Buy a Suppressor Online or take a look at the Best 9mm & .45 ACP Suppressors on the market!
Latest Updates
- June 2, 2024: Removed Shadow Systems MR920. Added supplemental information and media to each product. Also, introduced additional details into How We Tested section.
- April 13, 2023: MPA30SST removed
14 Leave a Reply
Geeze, how about the Springfield Echelon? A tremendous pistol and tremendous value for what you get.
Always a walther lover main draw that some may see as foolish Sean Connery or James bond my first pistol and interarms walther ppk blued in 1984 I came across one in a small gun store near my home in New Hampshire price 275 dollars performs excellent to this say since then 9mm p99 as i.m.o.the most ingenious polymer striker fired pistol I've ever seen not and expert by any means but a single and double action in a striker fired pistol makes carrying with a chambered round seriously I have a ppq 45acp tactical and recently purchased the new pdp best trigger out of box I've ever fired all three are dead on right out of the box and the updated pdp comes all set for tactical use threaded barrel optic ready large frame witch I purchased holds 18+1 and a few others I'm not even sure of but I have to say I originally I bought my ppk more as a movie gun.
Pretty sexy list there...
I'm a little butt hurt that the factory Glock 19 MOS SILC is not included. Sure it doesn't ship with factory suppressor height sights, but you are supposed to fit a RD to it anyway and many people would fit another brand of sights for co-witness.
That said, the hush puppy makes sense with the additional slide lock device although from my experience, rapid follow up shots are more important than eliminating action noise.
I saw someone else already mentioned this, but when you were talking about the FN FNX 45 Tactical you said ,”. 45 ACP is generally already supersonic.” I’m sure you meant that .45 ACP is general subsonic. Are your unable to edit your article?
Dave, i don't know if someone already posted some correct info or not but MOST 45 ACP is under the supersonic speed which is around 1100 FPS. generally 45 ACP in heavier loads are around 985 FPS, where some of the lighter stuff in pistols can be pretty close. and soem actually making over 1100, but typically standard rounds and defensive roundsa re going to be well under that 1100 FPS.
Are you unable to be a douschebag?
Spelled it wrong, douchebag
thanks for all the info. be passing by SHOT in Vegas next january. Hope to by something. That is my intention
Nice article, thanks for the detailed info. I'm waiting on stamps for .22 and 9mm suppressors right now. I think I spotted a couple of typos though that might be misleading:
Under 1. FNX-45 Tactical
".45 ACP is generally already supersonic, making it a perfect platform to suppress."
I think you meant "already subsonic"
Under 7. CZ P-09
"We can, in good conscience, make a list of guns and not include a CZ. Like, for real, someone will come for us."
I think you mean "We can't"
Love the site!
Why nothing from Springfield? Their XD-M Elite is an excellent platform. Just askin'....
I agree. I like the visible firing pin and round in chamber indicator. I think it's a great feature to be able to glance at my pistol after not seeing it for years and instantly know its status of ready to fire. Some I here don't prefer the grip safety...I like it. I wish they offered a more compact version with a factory threaded barrel and raised sights than the xdm elite. I really don't need 23 rounds in my pistol with a suppressor and raised sights and a red dot...getting a bit heavy! But you are correct...why is the springfield excluded?
CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical. 'Nuff said.
FN 509T is not on the list either?
I do agree with the FNX (it's about as subtle as a sledgehammer though)
I'm surprised the hellcat RDP didn't make your list