Chiappa Little Badger 22 WMR 16.5″ Folding Rifle
About this product
What is the Chiappa Little Badger 22 WMR 16.5″ Folding Rifle? It's a single-shot, break-action rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum with a 16.5-inch threaded barrel and wire-frame folding stock, designed for extreme portability and field utility. This Italian-made survival rifle folds to just 16 inches in length and weighs a mere 2.9 pounds, making it one of the most compact firearms in its class. The design prioritizes mechanical simplicity over firepower, with Picatinny rails for optics and an integrated cartridge holder that carries 10 extra rounds.
What is the Chiappa Little Badger used for?
The Little Badger serves as a dedicated survival and trail rifle for hunters, backpackers, and preppers who need maximum portability. Its break-action design requires manual cycling after each shot, making it ideal for small game harvesting at distances under 75 yards. The threaded muzzle accepts suppressors or muzzle devices, while the wire stock provides adequate cheek weld for emergency shots.
How does the Chiappa Little Badger compare to the Stevens 334?
The Little Badger offers superior portability but sacrifices magazine capacity and rate of fire compared to the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers 4+1 rounds of centerfire power for medium game, the Chiappa's .22 WMR chambering and single-shot operation limit it to varmints and small game. For backpackers covering 20+ miles daily, the Chiappa's 2.9-pound weight and 16-inch folded length justify its limitations.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 2.9 pounds (46.4 oz) and measures 33.5 inches overall when unfolded. Folded dimensions shrink to 16 inches long by 6 inches wide, allowing storage in the included 18-inch carry bag. The 16.5-inch barrel features a 1:16 twist rate optimized for .22 WMR's 40-grain bullets, while the Picatinny rail system provides 5 inches of mounting surface for red dot sights.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle fails for anyone needing defensive capabilities, rapid follow-up shots, or ethical medium-game hunting. The single-shot mechanism requires 3-4 seconds between rounds, making it unsuitable for predator defense or shooting moving targets. Compared to our Stevens 334 in .308 Win, it lacks the energy for deer or hog hunting beyond 50 yards.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle, one 18-inch nylon carry bag with shoulder strap, and one 1/2"-28 TPI thread protector. Notably absent are iron sight adjustment tools or a cleaning kit—expect to spend $25-40 on a .22 caliber rod and patches. The integrated cartridge holder stores 10 rounds of .22 WMR, while the folded configuration fits vertically in most backpack compartments.
Is the Chiappa Little Badger worth it at $238.99?
At $238.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for niche users who prioritize weight and compactness over all else. The investment becomes justified when comparing it to custom survival rifle builds costing $500+, though bargain hunters might prefer a Stevens 555 shotgun for greater versatility at similar pricing. For its intended role, the Chiappa's machining quality and included accessories meet expectations.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.9 lbs (46.4 oz)—3.1 lbs lighter than a Stevens 334
- Folds to 16" length—fits in 18" included carry bag
- Integrated cartridge holder stores 10 extra rounds
- 1/2"-28 threaded muzzle accepts suppressors
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action—requires 3-4 seconds between rounds
- No iron sight adjustment tools included—adds $12-18 cost
- .22 WMR ammunition costs $0.35/round vs .22 LR at $0.10
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670711013 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 500.110 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 0 |
| color | Black |
| length | 19.4000 |
| model | Little Badger |
| package height | 1.6 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 3.75 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded muzzle compatible with suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2"-28 TPI threads accept standard .22 caliber suppressors like the SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .22 WMR's higher pressure—approximately 24,000 PSI versus .22 LR's 24,000 CUP. ATF Form 4 approval is required for suppressor ownership.
- Does it come with iron sights?
- Yes, it includes adjustable notch-and-post iron sights zeroed at 25 yards from factory. The rear sight adjusts for windage with a 3mm hex key (not included), providing ±4 inches of correction at 50 yards. Expect to spend $12-18 on a sight adjustment tool kit.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping to Bozeman taking 5-7 business days. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer—we verify licenses with Rocky Mountain Sportsmen at 406-555-0182 before dispatch.
- Can I mount a scope on the Picatinny rail?
- Absolutely—the 5-inch top rail accommodates scout-style scopes or red dots up to 12 ounces. I recommend the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout for $299, which provides 3.5 inches of eye relief ideal for this platform. Avoid magnifiers over 4x due to the 16.5-inch barrel's ballistic limitations.