Gun Of The Week: Chiappa Little Badger TDX

Welcome to another American Rifleman video, and for this episode, we’re on the range with a unique little rimfire rifle, and it’s a takedown model. Meet Chiappa’s Little Badger. This single-shot, utilitarian arm is built to be functional and appeal to survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Watch the video above to see it in use on the range.

You might think, “Aren’t most guns built for survival?” While that’s true, the Italian design of the wiry Little Badger is not meant to be a fighting gun, but more of a last-ditch tool that can be carried comfortably and employed easily. For most owners, Chiappa’s single-shot probably serves as a supplemental tool in day-to-day life on the ranch, in a backpack on the weekends or riding in the car for those “just in case” moments. Chiappa’s concept here with the Little Badger, though interesting, is not a new one. The gun itself has been imported to the U.S. for a while now, and the utility aspect is one that runs parallel with previous military-oriented designs.

The Little Badger TDX, or Take Down Xtreme, only comes in .22 Long Rifle, leaving .22 WMR or .17 HMR, among others, for the other models. And the TDX comes with 16.5” barrels. Fortunately, the muzzles come threaded and capped, so it is super easy to spin on a suppressor to remain stealthy. As for weight, the little carbine is under 3 lbs., which is quite remarkable, and when folded, it measures 17” long. Unlike traditional single-shots that stop within a few degrees of opening, the Little Badger keeps going. To do so, simply pull the trigger-like lever just forward of the trigger guard. Should it be time for cleaning and storage, locate the knob on the receiver’s right side and align the two white dots. Open the action and lift the barrel assembly away from the receiver. Easy. Assembly is in reverse order.

It is important to note that there is no manual safety on the Little Badger, merely automatic ones. There’s an automatic trigger safety that blocks the trigger when the hammer is at rest, like the safety found on many single-action revolvers. The gun is hammer-fired, and Chiappa does offer hammer extensions for ease of use. Inside, there is an extractor to pluck spent rounds from battery, but you’ll have to reach in and fully remove spent brass before reloading.

Despite its minimalist design, the Little Badger offers up a few creature comforts. First off, you’ll get a nice set of sights. The rear is an aperture and can be removed in favor of optics. The front sight is a fixed post. Fortunately, these sights offer elevation and windage adjustability so that you can precisely dial it in and do some small-game hunting, which is really what this gun is meant to do. To keep the Little Badger fed in the field, Chiappa supplies a 12-round cartridge holder attached to the wire buttstock. You’ll also find plenty of rail slots forward of the action and behind the trigger guard for accessories.

On the range, we found the Little Badger works as advertised. It can be readied quickly, and it shoots smoothly and accurately. While the Little Badger is an interesting conversation piece, too, its real purpose can’t be ignored.  And it’s hard not to let the gun evoke survival stories of days past, tales of downed aircrews dodging death with a handy field gun in tow.

Chiappa Little Badger Specifications
Importer: Chiappa Firearms
Action Type: single-shot, break-action, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Receiver: steel
Barrel: 16.5" steel; threaded 1/2x28 TPI
Sights: post front, fully adjustable aperture rear
Stock: fixed; wire-type
Trigger: single-stage
Overall Length:
Weight: 2 lbs., 13 ozs.
MSRP: $310