Yes, that's a rifle! Chiappa's take on the takedown survival rifle, the Little Badger TDX, adds new meaning to the term "minimalist," but that's about all it adds to your backpack or bug-out bag. Weighing in at a mere 3 lbs. and measuring only 17" when folded, this .22-caliber single-shot rifle is ready to go with you literally anywhere it's legal to carry a gun.
Extending it and then taking it down is just about as simple gets. Our testers noted, "Unlike traditional single-shots that stop within a few degrees of opening, the Little Badger keeps going. To do so, simply pull the trigger-like lever just forward of the trigger guard. Should it be time for cleaning and storage, locate the knob on the receiver’s right side and align the two white dots. Open the action and lift the barrel assembly away from the receiver. Easy. Assembly is in reverse order."
The Little Badger may not look like there's much to it, but it actually has some significant features. First, there's a nice set of iron sights with elevation and windage adjustments. Next, there's a cartridge carrier that attaches to (what there is of the) buttstock that holds 12 rounds. There are rail slots forward of the action and behind the trigger guard, should you wish to attach optics or lights. Finally, the 16.5" barrel comes threaded for a suppressor. MSRP $310; ChiappaFirearms.com.
