Description
Picture this: you’re walking a fence line on a Missouri farm, or maybe you’re just heading out to the back forty for some plinking. You want something light, versatile, and utterly simple. You don’t want to choose between a .22 for squirrels and a 20-gauge for rabbits. That’s the exact scenario where the Chiappa Firearms Double Badger, 20 Ga/22LR, 19″, Foldable Stock, Blued shines. It’s a no-fuss, over-under survival gun that answers the call for pure utility.
So, what is it? The Chiappa Double Badger is a single-shot, over-under combination gun with a 20-gauge smoothbore barrel on top and a .22 Long Rifle rifled barrel underneath. It features a 19-inch barrel set, a blued finish, and a unique side-folding stock that makes the whole package incredibly compact—collapsing down to just over 26 inches. It’s a minimalist’s dream for hunters, trappers, and preppers who need a reliable, dual-caliber tool that fits out of the box and requires no gunsmithing to get started. At $427.22, it’s a specialized tool that delivers on a very specific promise.
Let’s talk about that folding stock. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s the heart of the Badger’s appeal. The side-folding mechanism is robust and locks up solidly when extended. When folded, the gun stows easily in a backpack, ATV storage box, or behind the seat of a truck. The overall weight is just under 5.5 pounds, so you’ll hardly notice it on a long walk. The balance point is right at the hinge, making it carry nicely even when folded. Here’s the thing—this design means you’re always ready for two very different types of game without carrying two separate firearms.
The over-under configuration is brilliantly simple. A selector on the hammer lets you choose which barrel fires first. It’s manual, tactile, and foolproof. The 20-gauge chamber handles 2¾-inch shells perfectly, and the .22 LR barrel is a tack-driver at reasonable small-game ranges. I’ve put a mix of cheap bulk pack .22s and light 20-gauge target loads through one, and it cycled everything without a hiccup. The blued finish is utilitarian but holds up well to field use. Sights are basic but effective: a brass bead up front and a simple notch in the rear. For those wanting more precision, the top barrel is drilled and tapped, making it compatible with compact optics from brands like Burris or Leupold.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 20 Gauge & .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 19 inches |
| Overall Length (Stock Extended) | 36.5 inches |
| Overall Length (Stock Folded) | 26.2 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 5.4 lbs |
| Action | Single Shot, Over/Under |
| Finish | Blued |
Pros: Incredibly compact and portable when folded. Offers two useful calibers in one simple package. The hammer selector is intuitive and reliable. Lightweight for all-day carry. The price point is fair for a niche firearm like this.
Cons: It’s a single-shot for each caliber, so follow-up shots require reloading. The trigger is serviceable but not target-grade. The stock is a bit short for some shooters—check the length of pull. It’s a tool, not a showpiece.
Who is this for? The Double Badger is perfect for the Missouri outdoorsman who values function over form. It’s for the trapper checking lines, the farmer needing a versatile varmint gun, or the backpacker who wants a survival firearm that doesn’t dominate their pack. It’s not your primary deer rifle or competition shotgun. It’s a specialized backup, a truck gun, or a dedicated small-game harvester. That said, its simplicity is its greatest strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the firing selector safe and easy to use?
A: Absolutely. It’s a large, grooved switch on the hammer itself. You can see and feel it clearly, even with gloves on. It’s a mechanical system that’s about as simple and reliable as it gets.
Q: What’s the realistic accuracy potential of the .22 barrel?
A: With decent ammunition, you can expect consistent 1 to 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards from a rested position. It’s more than accurate enough for head shots on squirrels or rabbits within typical hunting ranges.
Q: Can you use .22 Magnum or 3-inch 20-gauge shells?
A: No. The rifle barrel is chambered for .22 Long Rifle only, not .22 WMR. The shotgun barrel is strictly for 2¾-inch shells. Always use ammunition specified for your firearm.
If the idea of a compact, dual-purpose survival gun that ships to Missouri and compliant US states fits your needs, the Chiappa Double Badger is worth a close look. It’s a purpose-built tool that does a few jobs very well. See the full details on our site.
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