Survival firearms come in many shapes and sizes, with the masses in utter disagreement upon ideal chambering—and even platform. Some camps claim that a good defensive handgun is essential to have by your side, should society collapse, while others believe that you need nothing short of a fighting carbine by your side as you make your way to safety. While both can readily support their reasoning, there is yet another mindset, one that believes simplicity and silence are key. This group would likely welcome the Chiappa Little Badger Take Down Xtreme (TDX) rifle with open arms. This single-shot break-action is chambered for the easy-to-tame and readily available .22 Long Rifle and tips the scale at just 3 lbs., 5 ozs., making it the perfect rifle to stash away for an emergency.
In a nod to the Little Badger TDX’s utilitarian design, the rifle comes with a polymer storage tube (r.). To load and fire the gun, pull the lever in front of the trigger guard rearward to hinge the action open (l.). A built-in extractor frees a spent case for removal.
Our test sample arrived in a box no larger than something you might expect a scope to ship in. Inside the package was an airtight carrying case with both halves of the rifle rattling around inside. To connect the two, a knob on the right side of the receiver must be turned to align a pair of white dots. Once in this position, the barrel lug can be slipped over the receiver pin, and the action closed. Before firing, the knob must be rotated to the 8-o’clock position, where it will align with a red dot, indicating that both halves are locked in place. Lastly, the buttplate needs to be rotated into position and locked in place via its thumb screw. This is attached to the steel rod that serves as the stock. The TDX employs steel for its barrel, but the receiver is built from a proprietary Zamak alloy with a high aluminum content to save weight and cut production costs.
Once assembled, the Little Badger TDX barely resembles a rifle, but if you look closely, all the parts are there. In lieu of a pronounced fore-end, it features a miniature quad rail that is comfortable enough to get the job done or can be used to mount a forward grip for a more conventional grasp. Toward the rear, a Picatinny section is located behind the trigger guard for the same purpose or to attach an optional clamp-on cleaning kit (sold separately). For those interested in keeping it streamlined, wrapping your hand around the rear of the receiver will serve general shooting needs just fine.
Although short on gripping surfaces, Chiappa ensured that the TDX left the factory with adequate sights modeled after those found on an M1 carbine. A fully adjustable rear peep sight is paired with a protected, fixed-post front sight. To further save weight and production costs, these components are comprised of a heat-resistant polymer, as is the thread protector that covers the 1/2x28 TPI threaded muzzle. Most small rimfire suppressors can fit within the carrying case as well, which would make for a handy addition for small-game hunting.
The Little Badger TDX comes with a set of M1 carbine-style adjustable sights, making it easy to dial in a preferred load. A protected front sight and textured muzzle cap (l.) are made from polymer, and the rear sight (ctr.) is adjustable for windage and elevation. (r.) Within its folding, low-profile buttstock, the single-shot Little Badger TDX provides space for 12 rounds of .22 Long Rifle.
Before taking it to the range, we affixed a Primary Arms GLx 1-6X low-power variable optic to the upper Picatinny rail section to provide a consistent sight picture for our accuracy testing. Although the scope and base might have weighed more than the rifle, it was surprising how well-balanced the package remained, particularly when it was supported within a shooting rest. At an MSRP of only $310, this is undoubtedly a budget rifle, so we selected like-minded ammunition. The one exception was CCI’s Stingers, which fetch a premium for .22 LR fodder, but with good reason. In our experience, these are generally solid performers on paper and are devastating on small game.
Range conditions were mild, with nary a breeze to speak of. Loading the Little Badger was instinctual for most, particularly those with single-shot experience. Just forward of the trigger guard is an opening lever that must be depressed rearward to break open the action. It only needs to be broken open enough to place a cartridge in the chamber, as cocking occurs in a separate operation. After snapping the action closed, the external hammer is manually cocked to enable the trigger mechanism—and a half-cock position helps act as a safety.
Each tester had the same reaction when he fired his first shot—that the trigger was far lighter than anticipated. At just more than 2 lbs., this was greatly appreciated, as it made it exceptionally easy to keep the unorthodox design steady while firing. After firing, the release lever is again pressed, and as the two components reach 90 degrees, the extractor is engaged to assist the case out of the chamber. The TDX also has 12 slots molded into the buttplate to accommodate several reloads.
Overall, our team found this handy little rifle to be immensely fun to shoot, and given the minuscule recoil generated by the .22 LR, quite comfortable to use despite the light weight and lack of conventional furniture. The general accuracy of the TDX wasn’t great, but it was pretty much on par with other guns of this type; as they are made for emergency situations, match-grade consistency wasn’t expected. Nonetheless, it met our “minute of tin can” satisfaction requirement—even when solely using the included iron sights. There is no doubt in our minds that this firearm can withstand long-term storage and be ready at a moment’s notice should a situation requiring small-game procurement arise.
