The catalysts that fuel consumer demand are often surprising, although it’s unlikely firearm-industry analysts failed to predict this one. Now that the price of a National Firearm Act (NFA) tax stamp dropped from $200 to zero, and with .22 LR suppressors proving to be a bargain among the hearing-safety devices, the tea leaves are strongly aligned for a resurgence in rimfire guns, ammo and accessories.
The first indication was demand for all suppressors the day the day the price of an NFA tax stamp dropped to zero. On Jan. 1, 2026, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives processed 150,000 eForm applications. During an average 24-hour period it receives roughly 2,500. Not all applications in the New Year’s flood were to clear the final background/administrative hurdle to take possession of a suppressor. Sales reported by most manufacturers indicate they did, however, account for the bulk of the volume.
Silencer Central’s online inventory, even 22 days after the cost reduction, clearly indicates manufacturers can’t keep up with orders. Forty of the 72 .223 Rem./5.56 NATO versions the company usually has in inventory were out of stock. Those calibers account for the bulk of modern sporting rifles in circulation, so the numbers are not shocking.
What did come as a surprise—likely not to industry soothsayers paid to predict these things—was demand for rimfire versions. On Silencer Central, also the morning of Jan. 22, 18 of the 26 rimfire suppressors it usually has in inventory were sold out.
Rimfire suppressor MSRPs are typically the lowest. That makes their purchase this year a bargain compared to 2025 and beforehand. We’re going to see a lot more .22 LR rifles at the firing line wearing a suppressor. Sales of subsonic loads, new rifles, accessories and targets will also reap benefits.
A recent announcement by Lyman Products promises to accelerate that pace, too. At the SHOT the company introduced a budget Sonicore line of suppressors. They are available for rimfire and centerfire models. MSRPs range from $199 to $299. The odds are good the rimfire version will be least expensive.
There’s no doubt Lyman will also find it a challenge to keep them on the shelves and in inventory. Regardless, it’s good news for the industry and the health of enthusiasts. It could usher in a new era of enthusiasm for members of the next generation who might otherwise never give the sport a try.
Quieter, lower-recoiling guns are more inviting to newcomers. Who knows how many will discover a passion for marksmanship and the discipline that follows.
