Dan and I hit the range with the updated, modular version of the Energetic Armament NYX rimfire suppressor, aptly named the NYX Mod2. This bad boy is an extremely lightweight, extremely quiet, all-Titanium .22 caliber suppressor that’s rated for use on all of your rimfire cartridges right on up to and including the spicy, centerfire 5.7x28mm.
We opened up the box to find the fully-assembled NYX Mod2 along with tools, manual, decal, etc.
At its base is a 1/2×28 fixed mount with nice, clean wrench flats. Yes, even the mount is Grade 5 titanium.
Wrench flats of the same 13/16″ size also grace the end cap. As mentioned, the NYX ships with a handy wrench for disassembly/assembly/tightening/removal, but the owner can also use a 13/16″ socket, a box wrench, an adjustable wrench, etc.
A modular silencer, the NYX Mod2 separates into two halves at the line seen in the ~middle of the suppressor in the photo above. To run the can in shorty configuration, simply remove the front module then install the end cap onto the front of the mount module.
In its short mode the NYX Mod2 is 3.7 inches long, and in its full mode it’s 6.5 inches long.
Taken completely apart, we can see that each module houses four K baffles. The mount module is slightly longer, having space inside for the thread mount itself. Note that it isn’t possible to use the front module as a standalone suppressor, as the mount isn’t compatible with it (this is a smart design for ATF-related reasons).
The baffles themselves are open K baffles with a fairly aggressive clip/port in each. While, generally speaking, I do prefer sealed/skirted K baffles that contain all of the combustion gas within the baffle stack, thus keeping the inside of the suppressor tube completely clean, the NYX Mod2’s baffle design does allow for a bit more internal air space (which can assist with sound suppression) and allows the user to clean the baffles themselves slightly more easily.
Given that the NYX Mod2 is made completely of titanium, it can handle much more aggressive cleaning solvents and methods than an aluminum suppressor can and, in the case of some solvents, it is even more resilient than stainless steel.
Installing the NYX Mod2 in shorty mode on my 6-inch barrel Black Collar Arms Piglet Takedown SBR was slightly awkward as it sat just sub-flush of the front of the 4-slot handguard. I happen to think this flush-front look is pretty badass — plus it protects the muzzle if your rifle is bouncing around in a side-by-side! — though for long-term use I’d want the assistance of a socket wrench to make sure the suppressor is nice and snug on the barrel. It was hard to get my fat fingers in there to tighten the thing down to my liking. FWIW, Black Collar also offers 3-slot (and 6-slot) takedown handguards if you need to run a short barrel and short suppressor and have the business end sticking out.
Or, of course, you can run the NYX Mod2 in its full-length configuration.
It’s a little funny when the suppressor is longer than the barrel, but for most pistol use this is standard practice. The shorter the barrel is the higher the gas pressure and gas volume are at the muzzle, which leaves the silencer with more work to do. With a modular can like the NYX Mod2, it would be typical to run it in its full configuration on pistols and other short barrels and in its short configuration on rifles and carbines.
The 6-inch barrel on this Piglet SBR is in a weird zone, to be honest, with most pistols being a couple inches shorter and most rifles or Ruger Charger-like pistols coming in at least 4-ish inches longer. I happen to love this barrel length and I’ve put this gun to dang good use on rabbits, rats, and more, but the NYX Mod2 is just slightly too short for my liking in short mode and slightly too long in long mode.
That isn’t really a knock on the NYX — like I said, this particular barrel length is uncommon — but it is worth noting that the modularity of it isn’t particularly granular. It’s either shorter than your typical 22 LR suppressor or it’s longer than your typical 22 LR suppressor.
That said, it’s light. Really, exceptionally light. With its K baffle design and patented weight reduction webbing machined into the outer tubes, the NYX Mod2 weighs only 4.15 ounces in full config and a ridiculously light 2.45 ounces in short config.
So, while 6.5 inches is a little longer than your average 22 LR suppressor, 4.15 ounces is lighter. It’s hardly noticeable at all on the muzzle of most firearms.
Out on the range, I first shot the 6-inch Piglet with my CGS Siren suppressor to get a baseline of what a super efficient, super quiet suppressor sounds like on this rifle.
With the NYX Mod2 in its full configuration, it was definitely quieter. It hands-down won the award for quietest suppressor model that has graced this rifle, and I think we’re close to double digits now. It’s incredibly, ridiculously quiet and it sounds like the entirety of the noise of shooting the gun is coming from the action cycling and not from the muzzle end. Silly stuff.
When super short it’s definitely louder. It’s still comfortable to the ears, but it’s now sounding more like a suppressed gunshot and less like a frog fart. I’d say it sounds on this setup pretty close to what a really quiet subsonic 300 Blackout setup sounds like. Maybe about the same or slightly quieter on noise level, but also slightly higher pitched and the sound exists for a shorter duration.
Compared to a couple other rimfire silencers of similarly short length that I’ve shot on this Piglet, I found the NYX Mod2 to be a bit quieter. Impressive performance from only four baffles.
As you’ll see in the video embedded at top, I’d gladly rock this setup for hunting and “truck gun” use and run the NYX Mod2 in its full configuration for fun-on-the-range use or for teaching new shooters, etc.
The Energetic Armament NYX Mod2 is a top-notch suppressor. Its machining, fit, and finish quality really can’t be beat, and it’s insanely quiet to be sure. In full configuration I’d argue it’s as quiet as you can conceivably get a 22 LR firearm, and in its short configuration it performs better than other, similarly-sized suppressors I’ve shot. Combine all that with its light weight and ratings for 22 LR full-auto and semi-auto use on up to 5.7×28, the NYX Mod2 is a winner for sure.
Specifications: Energetic Armament NYX Mod2
Caliber: 22 LR (incl. full-auto), 22 WMR, 17 HMR, 5.7x28mm, etc.
Mount Type: 1/2×28 fixed mount
Material: 100% grade 5 titanium
Weight: 4.15 ounces in full config, 2.45 ounces in short config
Length: 6.5 inches in full config, 3.7 inches in short config
Diameter: 1.0 inches
MSRP: $529 (about $499 at Silencer Shop in bead blast finish as seen in this review, and $519 in black Cerakote finish)