The Dead Air Mask is Dead Air’s rimfire suppressor: 5.1 inches long, 6.6 ounces, with a titanium tube around stainless steel baffles, rated for rimfire cartridges and 5.7×28. It’s also sold under three names. The Mask, the Mask 22, and the Mask HD are the same can, which is the first thing most shoppers get stuck on. The harder question is price. The Mask sits between the SilencerCo Sparrow 22, which is nearly the same size and weight for about $150 less, and the all-titanium Banish 22, which is 2.5 ounces lighter for about $100 more. This review is about what the Mask’s price actually buys you.
The verdict: Buy the Mask if you want a durable, easy-to-clean rimfire can with a titanium tube and stainless baffles built to take aggressive cleaning. When we checked, Guns.com had the Mask HD in FDE at $401.99, the best price we found. If budget matters most, the SilencerCo Sparrow 22 does most of the same job for $256.99. If weight matters most, the Banish 22 is the lighter can.
A rimfire suppressor is one of the most satisfying NFA purchases you can make, because .22 LR is cheap enough to shoot constantly and quiet enough suppressed that the whole experience changes. That also means you’ll clean it often, and that’s where the Mask makes its case.
How We Evaluated It
We built this review from Dead Air’s published specifications, retailer listings, and independent coverage, and compared the Mask against manufacturer data for the Sparrow 22 and Banish 22. Where sources disagree, we show both figures.
Which Dead Air Mask Should You Buy?
There’s only one Mask, so the choice is finish and price. Guns.com lists it three ways, and the prices differ more than you’d expect for the same suppressor.
| Listing | Finish | Guns.com Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mask HD 22 | FDE | $401.99 | The best price we found on any Mask |
| Mask HD 22 | Silver | $452.99 | Same can, different finish |
| Mask 22 | Black | $453.99 | Listed under the Mask 22 name |
| Guns.com prices checked September 2026 and shown in cart. Other retailers commonly listed the Mask HD at about $459 when we checked. | |||
Unless you want a specific finish, the FDE listing is the one to start with. At $401.99, it undercut both the other Guns.com finishes and the roughly $459 other stores were asking, and it sits $87 below the $489 MSRP on Dead Air’s product page. Guns.com shows suppressor prices in the cart rather than on the listing page, so add it to your cart to confirm the current price.
Check the Mask HD in FDE at Guns.com →
Buying a Suppressor in 2026
The federal transfer tax on suppressors is now $0, down from $200. Unless your purchase is covered by the August 2026 court injunction, the Form 4 process still applies. Covered purchases from certain sellers in 27 states can use a standard Form 4473 instead, so ask your dealer which process applies. State and local restrictions also remain. Our suppressors guide walks through the current process.
If a $400-plus purchase needs spreading out, our guide to gun financing covers the options that work for NFA items.
In this review
Dead Air Mask Specs
Length5.1″1.07″ diameter
Weight6.6 ozPer Dead Air
TubeTitaniumGrade 9
BafflesStainless17-4 PH
Caliber ratingRimfire, 5.7×28Fitment guide adds .22 and .17 Hornet
Energy rating850 ft-lbMaximum muzzle energy
Mount1/2×28Direct thread
Barrel minimumNoneFull-auto rated, .22 LR only
The Mask ships with an end cap removal tool for disassembly, and Dead Air’s manual describes a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Dead Air’s specifications show no minimum barrel length, which means the Mask works on short pistol barrels as well as full-length rifles. Some published figures, including an early American Rifleman review, list the weight at 6.8 ounces; Dead Air’s current page lists 6.6.
What the Mask Does Well
It’s built to be cleaned hard. This is the Mask’s real advantage. The baffles are 17-4 PH stainless steel, and Dead Air’s manual specifically allows cleaning them in a solvent bath, by tumbling in stainless media, or ultrasonically. Retailer spec copy also describes the baffles interlocking to form an internal sleeve that keeps carbon and lead off the inside of the tube, which is what makes a dirty rimfire can hard to take apart. For a suppressor you’ll clean regularly, that design matters more than a few ounces.
It pairs a titanium tube with steel internals. The Grade 9 titanium tube keeps weight down and resists corrosion, while the stainless baffles take the abuse. It’s a middle path between an all-steel can like the Sparrow and an all-titanium can like the Banish.
It’s short, and it has no barrel restrictions. At 5.1 inches with no minimum barrel length, the Mask works on rifles and pistols alike, including compact hosts where a longer can would look and handle awkwardly.
It covers the common rimfire and small-bore calibers. Dead Air’s current fitment guide lists the Mask for rimfire cartridges, 5.7×28, .22 Hornet, and .17 Hornet, with an 850 ft-lb maximum muzzle-energy rating, so one can covers a 10/22, a Mark IV, a 17 HMR varmint rifle, and a 5.7 pistol.
Dead Air designed it for low first-round pop. First-round pop is the louder first shot some suppressors produce when oxygen inside the can ignites. Dead Air says the Mask has little to no first-round pop on both rifles and pistols. That’s Dead Air’s claim rather than a measurement we’ve made, but it’s a stated design goal and a common point of praise in retailer descriptions.
Dead Air Mask HD 22, FDE
$401.99 at Guns.com when we checked, the best Mask price we found
Mask, Mask 22, or Mask HD?
Search for this suppressor and you’ll find it called the Mask, the Mask 22, the Mask HD, and the Mask 22 HD, sometimes on the same retailer’s site. It’s natural to assume those are different models, with “HD” as an upgraded version.
There’s a reason older information is confusing. When Dead Air launched the Mask in 2015, it offered two versions: a Heavy Duty model in titanium and stainless steel, rated from .22 LR up to 5.7×28, and a lighter Light Duty model built with 7075 aluminum and rated for .22 LR only. Those older Light Duty references aren’t a separate current Mask you need to shop against.
In the current lineup, the names all point to the Heavy Duty configuration. Dead Air’s own product page calls it the Mask HD. Retailers sell it as the Mask 22 or Mask 22 HD under the same SKU, MASK22, with identical specifications: 5.1 inches, 6.6 ounces, a Grade 9 titanium tube, and 17-4 stainless baffles. The different names are listing conventions, not different suppressors.
The Practical Reading
Don’t pay more for a listing that says “HD.” Compare Mask listings by finish and price only. At Guns.com, the price gap between listings came down to finish, not features.
Known Issues
Five Things to Know Before You Buy
- It costs more than a nearly identical-size can. The Sparrow 22 is 5.08 inches and 6.5 ounces against the Mask’s 5.1 inches and 6.6 ounces, and at Guns.com it’s $256.99. Even the cheapest Mask listing costs about $145 more. What you’re buying is the titanium tube and the cleaning-friendly baffle design, not a smaller or lighter can.
- It isn’t the lightest option. The all-titanium Banish 22 is listed at 4.1 ounces, 2.5 ounces lighter than the Mask. On a lightweight pistol or a trail rifle, that difference is noticeable.
- Dead Air’s own rating information isn’t consistent. Its current fitment guide rates the Mask for .22 Hornet and .17 Hornet, while its product page and many retailer listings stop at rimfire and 5.7×28. If you plan to shoot Hornet, confirm with Dead Air before you do.
- It’s direct thread, 1/2×28 only. That fits most threaded rimfire barrels, but hosts with other thread patterns need a Dead Air adapter, sold separately.
- Sound numbers aren’t directly comparable across brands. Dead Air publishes approximately 115.1 dB on a 4.4-inch pistol and 115.8 dB on a 16.1-inch rifle in its Mask manual, and Silencer Central publishes its own muzzle readings for the Banish 22. But host firearm, ammunition, microphone placement, environmental conditions, and test protocol all affect suppressor measurements, so we don’t rank these cans by manufacturer-published dB numbers alone.
Who Should Skip It
Where to Look Instead
- If price matters most → the SilencerCo Sparrow 22 is nearly the same size and weight for $256.99. See our Sparrow 22 review.
- If weight matters most → the Banish 22 is all titanium and listed at 4.1 ounces.
- If you want to compare the whole rimfire field → our best .22 suppressors guide covers eight cans.
Dead Air Mask vs. Sparrow 22 vs. Banish 22
| Spec | Dead Air Mask | SilencerCo Sparrow 22 | Banish 22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guns.com price | $401.99–$453.99 | $256.99 | $549.99 |
| Length | 5.1″ | 5.08″ | 5.375″ |
| Weight | 6.6 oz | 6.5 oz | 4.1 oz |
| Diameter | 1.07″ | 1.06″ | 1.0″ |
| Materials | Titanium tube, stainless baffles | Stainless steel | Titanium |
| Rated through | 5.7×28, .22 Hornet, .17 Hornet | 5.7×28, incl. .22 Hornet | 5.7×28, incl. .22 Hornet |
| Mount | 1/2×28 direct | 1/2×28 direct | 1/2×28 direct |
| Manufacturer cleaning guidance | About every 500–1,000 rounds | About every 1,000 rounds | About every 100–200 rounds |
| Manufacturer and retailer specifications; Guns.com prices checked September 2026. Weights and lengths vary slightly between published sources. Cleaning guidance reflects manufacturer recommendations, not independent endurance testing, and the Mask’s Hornet ratings come from Dead Air’s fitment guide. | |||
Mask vs. Sparrow 22 is the comparison most buyers make, and the numbers show why: the two are within a few hundredths of an inch and a tenth of an ounce of each other. Both are genuinely user-serviceable. The Sparrow has been around since 2008, is all stainless, and SilencerCo recommends cleaning it roughly every 1,000 rounds, with a warning against solvents and ultrasonic cleaning on the outer tube. The Mask gives you a removable 17-4 stainless baffle stack that Dead Air specifically permits cleaning ultrasonically, by tumbling, or in a solvent bath. The difference is cleaning approach, not that one can be serviced and the other can’t. Some high-volume shooters will prefer the Mask’s baffle stack, and that’s where its premium goes. If you want the lowest price on a proven can, the Sparrow is hard to beat. Our Sparrow 22 review covers it in depth.
What You’ll Actually Pay
The suppressor price is the starting point, not the total. Budget for the can itself, the $0 federal transfer tax, shipping, any dealer or NFA transfer fee, and applicable sales tax. Those extras vary by retailer and dealer, so compare total cost, not just the listed price.
Mask vs. Banish 22 is a weight question. The Banish is all titanium, listed at 4.1 ounces, and Silencer Central says its eight self-indexing baffles are designed to keep lead and carbon off the tube. It costs roughly $100 to $150 more than the Mask at Guns.com. Maintenance is the other real difference: Silencer Central’s guidance calls for cleaning the Banish 22 every 100 to 200 rounds, far more often than Dead Air’s 500 to 1,000 for the Mask. That isn’t a quality verdict on either can, but it’s a meaningful difference in how often you’ll be at the cleaning bench. If every ounce matters, the Banish earns that premium. If it doesn’t, the Mask gets you most of the way for less.
Check the Banish 22 at Guns.com →
Living With the Mask
Ownership Reality
A rimfire can is a cleaning commitment. .22 LR is one of the dirtiest cartridges you can shoot through a suppressor, and the Mask’s real value shows up at the cleaning bench, not at the range.
Clean it on a schedule. Dead Air says service intervals can exceed 2,000 rounds depending on ammunition, but recommends cleaning the Mask every 500–1,000 rounds to make carbon and lead buildup easier to remove. Remove the front cap with the included tool, remove the back cap, and push the baffle stack out of the tube with a wooden rod rather than a screwdriver. The 17-4 stainless baffles can be cleaned with a commercial solvent bath, stainless-media tumbling, or ultrasonic cleaning. Dead Air’s manual warns against putting the tube itself, or any aluminum components, into a peroxide-and-vinegar “dip.” Follow the current manual for the tube and finish.
Reassemble in order, and expect a short break-in. The baffles key together with tabs and slots, so keep them in sequence and apply a light coat of grease to the threads and contact points, as the manual recommends. Dead Air notes that first-shot performance is reduced after a cleaning until the can accumulates some residue, which generally resolves after the first 15 to 20 shots.
Pair it with the right hosts. Any rimfire gun with a 1/2×28 threaded barrel is a candidate. The Ruger 10/22 is the classic pairing, and our Ruger 10/22 guide covers threaded models. For pistols, our best .22 LR pistols guide includes the threaded Ruger Mark IV 22/45.
Use subsonic ammo for the quietest results. Supersonic .22 LR still cracks as it breaks the sound barrier downrange, suppressor or not. Dead Air’s manual specifically notes that Aguila SSS 60-grain ammo increases the need for service and isn’t generally recommended with the Mask. Our best .22 LR ammo guide covers the subsonic loads that suppress best.
Stay Inside the Rating
Dead Air’s current fitment guide lists the Mask for rimfire cartridges, 5.7×28, .22 Hornet, and .17 Hornet, with an 850 ft-lb maximum muzzle-energy rating, and full-auto use is approved for .22 LR only. Because Dead Air’s product page and fitment guide list the ratings differently, confirm with Dead Air before running Hornet. Running an unrated configuration can damage the suppressor and potentially cause injury. Check the rating before every new host or cartridge.
Keep hearing protection handy. A suppressed .22 is dramatically quieter than an unsuppressed one, but a suppressor reduces your exposure rather than guaranteeing hearing-safe levels in every setup. Our ear protection guide covers options that still make sense.
Dead Air Mask FAQ
Is the Dead Air Mask 22 the same as the Mask HD?
In the current lineup, yes. Dead Air’s product page calls it the Mask HD, and retailers sell it as the Mask 22 or Mask 22 HD under the same SKU, MASK22, with identical specifications. Compare listings by finish and price, not by name.
How much does the Dead Air Mask weigh?
Dead Air lists it at 6.6 ounces, 5.1 inches long, and 1.07 inches in diameter. Some older published figures show 6.8 ounces.
What calibers is the Dead Air Mask rated for?
Dead Air’s current fitment guide lists the Mask for rimfire cartridges, 5.7×28, .22 Hornet, and .17 Hornet, with an 850 ft-lb maximum muzzle-energy rating. Its product page lists the rimfire calibers and 5.7×28 without the Hornets, so confirm with Dead Air before shooting Hornet. Full-auto use is approved for .22 LR only.
Will the Dead Air Mask fit a Ruger Mark IV?
Yes, if the barrel is threaded 1/2×28, which is standard on threaded Mark IV models. The Mask has no minimum barrel length, so it works on pistol-length barrels. Confirm your barrel’s thread pitch before mounting.
How do you clean the Dead Air Mask?
Dead Air recommends cleaning every 500–1,000 rounds. Remove both caps, push the baffle stack out, and clean the 17-4 stainless baffles in a solvent bath, by stainless-media tumbling, or ultrasonically. Don’t put the tube in a peroxide-and-vinegar dip, and follow Dead Air’s current manual for the tube and finish.
How quiet is the Dead Air Mask?
Dead Air’s manual reports approximately 115.1 dB suppressed on a 4.4-inch pistol and 115.8 dB on a 16.1-inch rifle. Those are manufacturer figures under Dead Air’s test setup, and results vary with host, ammunition, and measurement method, so they aren’t directly comparable to other brands’ numbers.
Should I buy the Dead Air Mask or the SilencerCo Sparrow 22?
They’re nearly identical in size and weight. The Sparrow costs about $145 to $200 less at Guns.com. Both are user-serviceable. The Mask adds a titanium tube and a removable stainless baffle stack that Dead Air permits cleaning ultrasonically or by tumbling. Choose the Sparrow for value, and the Mask if you’ll shoot and clean often.
Do you still pay a $200 tax on a Dead Air Mask?
No. As of 2026, the federal transfer tax on suppressors is $0. Unless your purchase is covered by the August 2026 court injunction, which lets certain sellers transfer covered suppressors on a standard Form 4473 in 27 states, the Form 4 process still applies. Some states prohibit suppressors entirely.
Bottom Line
If you’ll shoot a lot and clean often, the Dead Air Mask HD in FDE at $401.99 is the best-priced way into one of the easiest rimfire cans to live with.
If you want a specific finish, the Mask is also listed in silver and black. Same can, different price.
If price matters most, the SilencerCo Sparrow 22 at $256.99 is nearly the same size and weight.
If every ounce matters, the all-titanium Banish 22 is the lightest of the three.
If you’re still deciding, our Dead Air suppressors guide maps the full lineup.
Ready for Your First Rimfire Can?
The Mask HD in FDE was $401.99 at Guns.com when we checked
For current federal requirements, see the ATF’s National Firearms Act Division, which processes Form 4 and other NFA applications.
Sources: Dead Air Silencers product specifications, Mask operator’s manual, and accessory fitment guide; SilencerCo and Silencer Central published specifications; Guns.com and other retailer listings; independent coverage including American Rifleman.
Legal note: This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Suppressors remain regulated under the National Firearms Act, and some states and localities prohibit them entirely. Verify current federal, state, and local law before purchasing, transporting, or using any suppressor.
Affiliate disclosure: Guns Ammo & Gear participates in affiliate programs and may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships never determine which products we recommend or how we describe them.
Note: Prices are approximate and change frequently. Verify current pricing and specifications before purchasing.
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