AAC Element 3: Best .22 Cal Suppressor?

The Element 3 is the latest iteration of a 22 caliber suppressor from AAC and their first 22 suppressor since the big buy-out a couple of years ago.

While the Element 2 was a fan favorite for a lot of shooters, improving on that design might be a tall order.

But AAC knows what they are doing. One of the OGs in the suppressor world, they’ve been making great cans for a long time.

SPECS

• Approved Calibers: 17 HMR, 22 Long Rifle Full Auto, 22 Win Mag, 5.7x28mm
• Weight: 5.5 Oz
• Length: 5.1”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Materials: 6AL-4V Titanium, 17-4 Stainless Steel
• Finish: PVD Finish, PVD Coated Baffles
• Attachment: 1/2-28 Direct Thread
• Reduction: 47dB*
• S.P.L.: 110dB Right Ear A Weight*

*Ruger Precision, CCI Subsonic 40gr

IS IT GOOD?

Some of the most fun you can have at the range is with a .22 LR firearm. And the best way to double down on that fun is to add a suppressor to the mix. 

.22 LR is already fairly quiet with zero recoil, but throwing a suppressor on it like the Element 3 just makes it better in every possible way.

The Element 3 makes it super quiet. It’s easy to mount, easy to check, and easy to clean afterward. Everything about the Element 3 is done right. No downside, no shortcoming, nothing to point at and question. It’s just a great can that is built well.

What else is there to say? 

GUNS & AMMO

Most of my shooting with the ACC Element 3 is with it mounted to a SIG Sauer P322 .22 LR semi-auto pistol. Aguila subsonic ammo, CCI MiniMag, and Federal Punch are most of what is sent downrange with the Aguila being by far the most common.

For a rifle, the Element 3 is often mated with my NRL22 Open build using a RimX action, Proof Research Stainless Steel barrel, and MDT ACC Elite chassis. In training a mix of SK Rifle and SK Match is used and for competition Lapua Center-X. 

All of the rifle ammo is subsonic and Hollywood quiet. The P322 with subs is also quiet, with by far most of the sound coming from the action of the P322 than the ammo.

MiniMags are almost as quiet since the P322 action is still louder than the ammo, but it is harsher on the ear and starts to get a little sharp sounding.

The Federal Punch is a “self-defense” ammo with a 29gr bullet moving at an insane 1,300 FPS. It isn’t pleasant without ear pro, even through a suppressor. Still, it is much, much quieter than it would be without the can. 

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Overall, the Aguila subs are pretty awesome. Inexpensive, functions well, and very quiet. For teaching new shooters or those who just want to not wear ear pro and have fun shooting, it’s easy to recommend.

For my rifle, the Element 3 doesn’t affect precision or shift POI, mostly because my rifle has a very heavy barrel and the small weight of the Element 3 doesn’t change anything. 

If you want to use this for NRL22 shooting that’s the best way to do it. 

Even on medium barrels like what is on the Ruger Precision Rimfire or Bergara B14r, the can is small enough to not change anything. If you’re looking at a much smaller barrel like the 10/22, it’s worth checking for POI shift.

5.7x28mm

Something not all 22 suppressors can do is handle larger calibers. While a few can do up to 22 MAG, a step up from that is 5.7x28mm. 

Combined with my PSA Rock 5.7 with a threaded barrel and optic cut slide, this is a fun little gun. 

The sound is louder than anything .22 LR, but that shouldn’t be surprising. The shots are finally louder than the action, but it wasn’t deafening either. Without sound equipment, I’m still pretty sure this isn’t hearing-safe, but it at least takes a lot of bite off of what would otherwise be very not-hearing-safe.

With ear pro this goes back down to being extremely comfortable and feels more whisper quiet than it is.

The can held up perfectly and with zero damage to any parts. Personally, I wouldn’t use this as a dedicated 5.7×28 suppressor since I rather have something with more volume to cut the sound down more, but since this is more about getting just another use-option out of a can that is really for my 22s, this is nice to have.

One benefit of the Element 3 on the Rock 5.7 is that it isn’t crazy front-heavy like most pistol suppressors can be. The smaller can may not tame 5.7×28 as much, but it at least makes it a very smooth shot.

LOOSE ROUNDS

I love this can and it’s seen the second most rounds through it out of all the cans I have. The Element 3 isn’t crazy fancy but it has all the features you need in a great 22 suppressor while also not breaking your bank account.

Lightweight, easy to use, easy to clean, and sounds great. Without a doubt, this is one firearm accessory that is a 10/10 winner.

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