Not every rimfire session needs full-power .22 LR. For backyard pest control where it's legal, indoor-range practice, introducing a nervous new shooter, or simply shooting without bothering the neighbors, two niche options come up again and again: Aguila's Colibri and the old .22 Short. Both are much quieter than standard .22 LR. They are very different rounds with different rules, and one of them has a safety quirk you need to know about.
| Aguila Colibri | 22 LR case, 20gr lead bullet, very low power, per listing |
|---|---|
| 22 Short | Shorter case, 29gr bullet in this Aguila load, per listing |
| Cycles semi-autos? | Generally no; plan on manual actions |
| Best guns | Lever, pump, bolt and revolvers rated for the cartridge |
| Colibri safety | Low power can leave a bullet stuck in a long barrel; check the bore |
| Always | Treat as fully lethal. Quiet is not harmless. |
Aguila Colibri: a .22 LR with almost no push
Colibri uses a normal .22 LR case and a light 20-grain lead bullet, but it has no powder charge. The priming compound alone drives the bullet. The result is very quiet shooting. In a long rifle barrel, the report can be closer to a loud air rifle than a gunshot. Because it uses a .22 LR case, it chambers in .22 LR guns.
The low power has two consequences you must plan around:
- It won't reliably cycle semi-autos. There isn't enough energy to work the action. Load and eject by hand if you must, but manual actions are the better match.
- Stuck bullets. In long barrels, a very low-velocity bullet can lose momentum and stop inside the bore. Firing another round into an obstructed barrel can damage the gun and injure you. If a shot sounds or feels different, or you don't see an impact, stop, unload, and check the bore before firing again.
.22 Short: the original quiet rimfire
The .22 Short is one of the oldest cartridges still in production. It has a shorter case than .22 LR and a lighter bullet. It's quieter and gentler than .22 LR while carrying more authority than Colibri. The catch is the chamber: you need a gun made to feed it. A .22 Short can fire in many .22 LR chambers, but shooting large amounts of Shorts in a .22 LR chamber can leave a fouling ring that makes LR rounds harder to chamber. Most semi-autos won't cycle it.
Guns that make quiet rimfire easy
Tube-fed lever and pump guns marked for .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle are the classic partners, because they're designed to feed all three lengths. Henry's Golden Boy lists .22 S/L/LR, and Henry offers a Military Service edition. Revolvers and single-shots work too. Read your manual to confirm your gun is designed for the cartridge you plan to feed.
Quiet does not mean safe
Both rounds can seriously injure or kill. Backstop rules don't change: know your target and what's beyond it. Check local laws before shooting on private property, since discharge rules can apply even to very quiet loads. If you want the quietest setup and it's legal where you live, a suppressor on a manual action with subsonic ammunition is the long-term answer. Our suppressed .22 guide covers it, and suppressor fouling explains the cleaning trade-off.
Where each one fits
| Use | Colibri | 22 Short |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard pests at very close range, where legal | Yes, with a proper backstop | Yes |
| New shooter intro | Excellent (low noise and recoil) | Good |
| Semi-autos | No | Generally no |
| Long rifle barrels | Watch for stuck bullets | Fine |
| Small game at normal distances | Underpowered | Close range only |
For normal small-game work, standard .22 LR is still the right tool. See our small game guide.
Colibri is the quietest option but low-powered: use manual actions and check the bore for stuck bullets. The .22 Short is quiet with more authority, best in guns designed to feed it. Neither replaces standard .22 LR for hunting at normal distances.
FAQ
Can I shoot Colibri in my 10/22?
It will chamber, but it won't cycle the action reliably. Manual actions are a better match.
Can a Colibri bullet get stuck in the barrel?
Yes. Its low power can leave a bullet lodged in long barrels. If a shot seems off, stop, unload, and check the bore before firing again.
Will .22 Short work in a .22 LR gun?
Many .22 LR chambers can fire Shorts, but feeding varies, and heavy use can leave a fouling ring. Guns marked for .22 S/L/LR are the best match.
Are quiet .22 loads safe for backyards?
Only where legal, with a safe backstop. Both remain lethal. Check local discharge laws first.
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