The Ultimate “Just in Case” Companion
There is something inherently fascinating about combination rifles. They represent a Swiss Army Knife approach to firearms, a single tool designed to handle a multitude of scenarios. The Chiappa Double Badger leans hard into this philosophy, pairing a .22 LR barrel over a .410 bore shotgun barrel.
At a price point of roughly $350, it offers a unique value proposition: the ability to transition from a precise ground shot on a squirrel to a moving target in the air without ever switching platforms.
Use Case: The Do-All Woods Gun
Combination rifles aren’t built for the range or high-volume competition; they are “chore” guns and survival tools. The Double Badger is the rifle you grab when you’re heading into the woods and aren’t quite sure what the day will bring.
-
Versatility: It bridges the gap between a dedicated rimfire and a small-bore shotgun. If you see a rabbit at 40 yards, you have the .22; if a grouse flushes from the brush, you have the .410.
-
The do all grouse gun: Its compact nature makes it an ideal candidate for the rifle that lives behind the seat of a truck, near the cabin door, or tucked into a canoe for a backcountry trip, ready to take a grouse that’s in the air or on the ground.
-
The Competition: While you could buy a budget break-open .22 or .410 for less, you lose the “two-in-one” utility. The Double Badger competes in a niche market against:
-
Savage 42: A modern, synthetic-stocked alternative. (review here)
-
Savage 24: The classic (often more expensive) vintage wood-stocked standard. (review here)
-
Baikal IZH-94 MP: A rugged, utilitarian Eastern European option.
-
Design and Usability: Built for the Pack
The standout feature of the Double Badger is its break-open action, which allows the rifle to fold almost completely in half. By tucking the barrels back against the stock, the overall length is drastically reduced, making it small enough to slide into a standard hiking backpack.
The interface is refreshingly simple, featuring:
-
Double Triggers: One for each barrel, allowing for an instant choice of caliber without fumbling with a selector switch.
-
Tang Safety: Conveniently located for easy thumb access.
-
Extractors: Both chambers feature extractors to lift spent shells for easy manual removal.
-
Sights: It comes equipped with a fiber-optic front sight and a rear peep sight, though there is a rimfire-style dovetail for those who prefer optics.
Usability
The break open action on the rifle is interesting, because it folds right over and down. This reduces overall length so that it could be fit into a backpack for a trek into the backwoods. Other features are mostly absent. We’ve got extractors on both the 410 and 22 chambers, a tang safety, double triggers, and simple lever break-action.
Build Quality: Character with Quirks
For a $350 rifle, the quality is a bit of a mixed bag. The wood stock is a highlight; unlike many budget rimfires that use “mystery wood” with a thick, muddy finish, the Double Badger’s stock shows genuine grain and a thoughtful finish that feels premium for its class. Some steel surfaces even feature a faux case-hardened look that adds a touch of old-school class.
However, QC (Quality Control) can be hit or miss. On my specific unit, the barrels or front sight appeared slightly canted. To achieve center hits, I had to drift the rear peep sight significantly to the left. While it’s zeroed now, it suggests that these are mass-produced tools where “close enough” is the manufacturing standard.
Final Thoughts
The Chiappa Double Badger isn’t a precision target rifle or a heavy-duty fowling piece. It is a specialized, foldable utility tool. If you value the ability to carry a single, lightweight firearm that can handle everything from pest control to emergency foraging, the Double Badger is a charming and capable choice.
