Best Suppressor Ready Pistols for Every Caliber: From .22LR to .45 ACP

Quick Answer

Looking for suppressor-ready pistols across different calibers? These seven handguns come factory-equipped with threaded barrels and specialized sights for immediate suppressor use. From whisper-quiet .22LR trainers to hard-hitting .45 ACP options, these models let you attach your favorite can without additional modifications or parts hunting.

Key Takeaways

• Suppressor-ready pistols come with threaded barrels and raised sights.
• Options range from affordable .22LR to premium .45 ACP models.
• Most feature optics compatibility and tactical accessory rails.
• Purpose-built designs eliminate the need for aftermarket parts.
• Prices span $400 to $4,200 depending on features and build quality.

Suppressors are not just for Hollywood anymore. As more gun owners discover the benefits of quieter, more controlled fire, especially indoors, the demand for factory suppressor-ready pistols has surged. But finding the right one for your caliber and budget? That's the challenge. 

In this guide, we break down the top picks across popular calibers, all selected based on real-world feedback from range officers, instructors, and everyday users who've put these models through their paces.

What Makes a Pistol Suppressor Ready?

A truly suppressor-ready pistol needs more than just a threaded barrel. These purpose-built firearms come equipped with:

• Threaded barrel (typically ½-28 for 9mm and smaller, ⅝-24 for larger calibers)
• Suppressor-height sights that remain visible over attached suppressors
• Nielsen device compatibility for proper cycling
• Appropriate recoil springs tuned for suppressed fire
• Often include optics-ready slides for red dot mounting

According to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute), specific thread patterns are recommended for different calibers to ensure proper fit and function. The organization provides detailed drawings to standardize these measurements across the industry. It  helps manufacturers create pistols with correct threading right from the factory. 

Testing Criteria: How We Selected These Pistols

These recommendations come from extensive research and feedback from industry professionals who have put these pistols through rigorous testing:

• Minimum 500 rounds through each model
• Testing with both FMJ training rounds and JHP defensive rounds
• Compatibility with common suppressor models
• Performance at 5-7 yard distances (standard defensive range)
• Feedback from firearms trainers, range officers, and experienced users

A recent study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences examined how suppressors affect firearm performance and residue patterns. The research found that using a suppressor can significantly alter a weapon's signature characteristics, which has implications for both performance and forensic analysis. 

Best Suppressor Ready Pistols by Caliber

Model	Caliber	Action	Capacity	Barrel Length	Price (USD)
CZ P-09 Suppressor Ready	9mm	DA/SA	21+1	5.2″	$489
Ruger Mark IV	.22 LR	Single action	10+1	4.4″ or 5.5″	$403
FNX-45 Tactical	.45 ACP	DA/SA	15+1	5.3″	$1,199
Nighthawk Custom GRP	9mm / .45 ACP	Single action	8+1	5″	$4,199 + $450
S&W M&P M2.0	9mm	Striker-fired	17+1	5″	$619
Beretta M9A3	9mm	SA/DA	17+1	5.1″	$999.99
HK45 Compact Tactical	.45 ACP	DA/SA	10+1	4.6″	$1,029

CZ P-09 Suppressor Ready (9mm)

The CZ P-09 in its Suppressor Ready configuration represents one of the best values in tactical pistols today. This full-size 9mm comes straight from the factory with everything needed for suppressed shooting and that too with no additional purchases required.

The P-09 uses CZ's famous DA/SA Omega trigger system, which gives you options for carry and precision fire. What makes this particular model stand out is the 21+1 capacity It gives you plenty of firepower in a package that handles suppressors with ease.

Price: $550–$600 

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 21+1
• Barrel Length: 5.15″
• Weight: 32 oz
• Optic-Ready: Model-dependent

Features

• Threaded barrel for suppressor use
• Picatinny accessory rail
• Polymer frame with ergonomic grip

Pros

• Excellent capacity
• Smooth DA/SA trigger system
• Suppressor compatible out of the box

Cons

• Limited aftermarket options
• Slightly large for concealed carry

Ruger Mark IV (22LR)

The Ruger Mark IV takes everything great about the classic .22LR platform and makes it suppressor-friendly. This rimfire pistol has become the go-to option for those wanting whisper-quiet plinking or training.

To be clear, Ruger barrels aren’t designed to keep .22LR ammo subsonic on their own. For quiet shooting with a suppressor, you’ll want to use standard velocity .22LR ammunition, which usually stays subsonic. . The one-button takedown system also makes maintenance much simpler than previous generations. This is a welcome improvement for a gun that gets lots of range time.

Price: $403

Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Single action
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 4.4″ or 5.5″
• Weight: 34 oz
• Optic-Ready: Model-dependent

Features

• One-button takedown design
• Picatinny rail
• Low sound signature with subsonic ammo

Pros

• Very quiet when suppressed
• Affordable
• Fun and easy to shoot

Cons

• Limited magazine capacity
• Not ideal for self-defense

FNX-45 Tactical (.45 ACP)

The FNX-45 Tactical stands as perhaps the most complete suppressor-ready package in the .45 ACP world. This beast comes from the factory with everything needed for high-performance suppressed shooting.

What sets the FNX-45 Tactical apart is its combination of features—threaded barrel, suppressor-height night sights, and optic-ready slide—plus an impressive 15+1 capacity in .45 ACP. The aggressive grip texture helps manage recoil when running subsonic loads through a can.

Price: $1,199

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 5.3″
• Weight: 33 oz
• Optic-Ready: Yes

Features

• Suppressor-height night sights
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Tactical slide cuts

Pros

• Proven suppressed performance
• Huge capacity for .45 ACP
• Full tactical features

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Long double-action trigger pull

Nighthawk Custom GRP (9mm or .45 ACP)

For those with serious cash and a love for custom 1911s, the Nighthawk Custom GRP offers suppressor upgrades that bring elite performance and style. This handcrafted masterpiece represents the premium end of suppressor hosts.

Each GRP is built with match-grade components and hand-fitted parts. It’s important to note that the GRP is not suppressor-ready out of the box. To get there, you’ll need to order a Custom Upgrade Package that adds a threaded barrel and suppressor-height sights. That package can run over $450 depending on the setup. . This combination delivers exceptional accuracy with or without a can attached.

Price: $4,600+ with suppressor upgrades and custom work. 

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm / .45 ACP
• Action: Single action
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 5″
• Weight: 37 oz
• Optic-Ready: No

Features

• Suppressor-height sights available
• Custom threaded barrel option
• Full steel frame

Pros

• Unmatched build quality
• Custom fit for suppressor use
• Prestige value

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Not suppressor-ready out of the box

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 (9mm)

The Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 with a threaded barrel brings suppressor capability to one of the most popular striker-fired platforms. Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP, this model gives you options.

With its improved trigger, aggressive grip texture, and steel frame insert, the M2.0 platform offers a solid foundation for suppressed shooting.Not all threaded barrel models include suppressor-height sights. You’ll need the Tactical version if you want those taller sights that clear most common cans. 

Price: $619 but varies by dealer and optic-ready options. 

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Striker-fired
• Capacity: 17+1
• Barrel Length: 5″
• Weight: 28 oz
• Optic-Ready: Model-dependent

Features

• Polymer frame with steel chassis
• Available suppressor-height sight options
• Smooth trigger upgrade from Gen 1

Pros

• Accurate and well-balanced
• Excellent aftermarket support
• Good ergonomics

Cons

• Threaded model costs more than standard
• Some may prefer DA/SA feel

Beretta M9A3 (9mm)

A classic reborn with modern features. The M9A3 includes a threaded barrel and modular grip frame. It is great for suppressed shooting, though not fully optimized out of the box.

This upgraded version of the military M9 brings welcome improvements like a threaded barrel, improved grip, and better sights. One unique advantage when using a suppressor: you don't need a Nielsen device (booster) since the barrel doesn't tilt. For this reason it makes suppressor mounting simpler and more cost-effective.

But it does not come with suppressor-height sights from the factory. You’ll need an aftermarket upgrade.

It’s also not truly optic-ready on most models out of the box, so plan for extra work if you want to mount an optic.

Price: $999.99

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: SA/DA
• Capacity: 17+1
• Barrel Length: 5.1″
• Weight: 33 oz
• Optic-Ready: Model-dependent

Features

• Threaded barrel
• Picatinny rail
• Modular grips

Pros

• Proven track record
• Mild recoil
• Threaded barrel included

Cons

• No suppressor-height sights
• Not optic-ready in most models

HK45 Compact Tactical (.45 ACP)

Compact but combat-ready, the HK45 CT is optimized for quiet shooting in a compact form. With a threaded barrel and factory suppressor-height sights, it's ready right out of the box.

HK's reputation for engineering excellence shows in this purpose-built suppressor host. The HK45 Compact Tactical manages to pack full-size performance into a more manageable package, with controls and ergonomics optimized for tactical use with gloves or under stress.

Price: $1,100–$1,200 depending on configuration and sights. 

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 4.6″
• Weight: 29 oz
• Optic-Ready: No

Features

• Threaded barrel
• Suppressor-height sights
• Tactical rail

Pros

• Comes fully suppressor-ready
• Compact yet controllable
• HK-level build quality

Cons

• Low magazine capacity
• Premium price tag

Honorable Mentions

Not every gun comes fully suppressor-ready, but some models make the transition easier:

• Adams Arms AA19 - Comes with a threaded barrel but standard-height sights
• Glock 19 Gen5 - Huge aftermarket support makes conversion simple
• Sig Sauer P320 - Modular design allows easy barrel swapping

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) notes that suppressors help reduce noise to safer levels, similar to how car mufflers work. They don't "silence" guns completely—contrary to Hollywood portrayals—but rather reduce sound to levels that minimize hearing damage, especially important for indoor ranges and training environments.

Can You Convert Your Current Pistol for Suppressor Use?

If you already own a pistol you love, you might not need to buy a new one. Here's how to make your current gun suppressor-ready:

Add a threaded barrel:

• Lone Wolf barrels for Glock ($134)
• Faxon Firearms offers options for popular models
• SilencerCo threaded barrels for many common pistols

Upgrade your sights:

• Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sight Suppressor Sets ($100)
• Dawson Precision tall sights
• XS Sights suppressor-height options

Other considerations:

• Some guns may need different recoil springs for proper cycling
• Fixed-barrel pistols (like the Beretta 92 series) don't need Nielsen devices
• Tilting-barrel designs (most modern pistols) require boosters/Nielsen devices

According to ATF definitions, a "Firearm Silencer" includes "any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm." This covers not just the suppressor itself but also any parts designed for assembling one. This makes buying a factory-ready pistol simpler than navigating parts regulations.

Final Thoughts

Suppressor-ready pistols have gone from niche products to mainstream options as more gun owners recognize the benefits of reduced noise and muzzle flash. From budget-friendly options like the Ruger Mark IV to premium choices like the FNX-45 Tactical, there's now a suppressor host for every need and budget.

For new suppressor owners, starting with a .22LR like the Ruger Mark IV makes sense. It's quiet, affordable, and fun. For home defense, the CZ P-09 or M&P M2.0 offer modern features and capacity. And for those wanting the ultimate in suppressed performance, the FNX-45 Tactical remains the gold standard.

The best part is that these factory-ready options save you time, money, and hassle compared to piecing together aftermarket parts. Just add your suppressor and you're ready to enjoy quieter, more pleasant shooting.

Whether you’re shooting .22 LR, 9mm, or .45 ACP, pairing a suppressor-ready pistol with the right can takes performance and enjoyment to the next level. For more detail, don’t miss our guides to the best .22LR suppressors, top 9mm suppressors, and leading .45 ACP suppressors.

FAQs

What does "suppressor ready" mean in a pistol?  

A suppressor-ready pistol comes from the factory with a threaded barrel and often includes taller sights that remain visible over an attached suppressor. Some also include stronger recoil springs tuned for suppressed fire.

Do suppressor-ready pistols require special ammo?  

No, but subsonic ammunition works best with suppressors. Standard .45 ACP loads are usually subsonic. For 9mm, use 147gr subsonic loads for best suppression performance.. For .22LR, standard velocity loads work better than high-velocity rounds which can break the sound barrier.

Can I use a suppressor without suppressor-height sights?  

Yes, but you may not be able to see your sights over the suppressor and so it makes accurate shooting difficult. Red dot sights mounted on top of the slide can solve this problem.

Is a threaded barrel alone enough?  

For basic function, yes. But for optimal performance, suppressor-height sights and sometimes adjusted recoil springs help ensure proper function and usability.

Are suppressors legal in all states?  

No. They're currently legal in 42 states but prohibited in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. Always check current local laws.

About the Author

This article was written by the Pro Armory writing team based on current research, including studies from reputable sources like the Journal of Forensic Sciences, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and data from SAAMI. We also referenced trusted information from official publications and respected firearm authorities such as the ATF, firearms manufacturers, and certified instructors.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Laws regarding firearms and suppressors vary by location and change over time. Always consult local laws, a licensed dealer, and manufacturer guidelines before purchasing or modifying any firearm.