Chiappa Little Badger: A Survival-Focused Single-Shot

by
posted on October 3, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
little-badger.jpg

Single-shot rifles usually team with tradition and carry the warmth of wood furniture, but the Chiappa Firearms Little Badger has successfully bucked that trend. The Italian-made, break-action survival gun has a folding wire stock made from steel, integral cartridge holder in back—capable of holding 12 rounds—and short fore-end with quad Picatinny rails.

The rimfire rifle is available in four different models. You can select from .22 LR, .22 WMR or .17 HMR.

All have a 16.5" barrel that’s threaded on the end for muzzle devices and total length is 31". Folded for storage or transportation overall measurement is 17". The rifles tip the scales at 2.9 lbs., unloaded.

Three models (one in each chambering) have M1 carbine-style sights up front and at the rear. There is no safety, other than an external hammer that can be half-cocked. A small section of Picatinny rail is behind the trigger at the bottom of the receiver for enthusiasts who want to add a pistol grip, sling attachment point or other device. This trio is available only in a deeply blued steel color across the entire gun. MSRP for the .22 LR and .22 WMR is $216. Price goes up to $229 if you want a .17 HMR Little Badger.

The fourth model is chambered in .22 LR, but instead of shipping from the factory with M1-style sights, it wears a riflescope. A hammer extension is installed to ensure operation with the optic. Its color is green and black, unlike the other versions. The rest of its specifications are identical however, including the $216 MSRP.

The gun ranked fifth in GunBroker.com’s 2019 top-10 list of most popular single-shot rifles. It’s a move up for the firearm from 2018.

The company also offers a wood-stocked Little Badger Deluxe that chambers 9 mm Flobert shotshells, technically relegating it to the single-shot shotgun list. The folding gun didn’t make the rankings last year, although with an MSRP of $258 don’t be surprised if it claws its way in.

Latest

Weatherby 307 New Models F
Weatherby 307 New Models F

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.