Initially known for their historically accurate muzzleloader and black powder cartridge rifles and handguns, Chiappa has been in the firearms industry since 1958 and has recently started manufacturing unique and unconventional designs of their own. Their lineup includes the Little Badger, a folding rimfire single-shot rifle intended for backpacking. New for 2024 is the Big Badger, an upscaled version of the Little Badger in .410 bore, .350 Legend, and .30-30 Winchester.
For work on big game at distances under 300 yards, the .30-30 Winchester and .350 Legend are close to ideal. The Big Badger in these calibers wears a 20-inch barrel. Like the rimfire Little Badger, the barrel on these rifles is threaded for 1/2×28 TPI accessories like muzzle brakes and suppressors.
To split the difference between small game and birds on the fly at closer distances, the Big Badger is also available in .410 bore. It can fire either 2.5-inch or 3-inch magnum shells and also wears a 20-inch barrel. Unlike most miniature .410 shotguns of the backpacking type, the Big Badger .410 comes with a Benelli Mobil modified choke that can interchange for cylinder-bore up through a full choke to control your spread patterns.
All versions of the Big Badger have an M-LOK handguard that features a top/bottom Picatinny rail to mount any number of optics and accessories. Typical of the Badger line, the stock has a minimalist construction and is assembled using thick-gauge steel wire. These bigger bore options have the same exposed hammer and half-cock safety, and they fold in half! The only appreciable difference is that these heavier recoiling rifles and shotguns come with an integral rubber butt pad for extra comfort.
The Chiappa Big Badger is available now and modestly priced over the Little Badger. The .30-30 and .350 rifles have an MSRP of $354, while the .410 shotgun comes in at only $219.
