Initial Impressions: Chiappa Double Badger

[magnanimous_j]

Argh! I'm a little frustrated because I tried to post this whole long writeup about this rifle and the internet gods ate it and I lost it. Please ask me anything you might want to know

[Fl0und3rz]

Bummer losing the review.  I need to write up my boy's Henry mini-bolt youth.

How much OTD?  Have you owned a Savage 24, and how does it compare?

[Special T]

22lr 20 gauge? How do you like the ghost ring with fiber sites?

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[Alchase]

I like it!

Great grouse gun if it shoots straight, if not I would put it up on the wall with the breach open.

[Fl0und3rz]

[Special T]

I know it's a pain, but please redo your write up. I'm very curious to hear your oppinion since I'm on the hunt for another combo gun.

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[magnanimous_j]

How much OTD?  Have you owned a Savage 24, and how does it compare?

Out the door, $430. I haven't handled the savage. I was considering the 42, but it only had a .410 option.

22lr 20 gauge? How do you like the ghost ring with fiber sites?

yes, 22lr over 20 gauge. I haven't shot it yet, but the sights seem nice. I think the earlier versions were plastic, but these are metal. It's not a precision rifle by any means. The stock is really skinny and you can't get a cheek weld with it and still look down the sights straight. It's a pointing gun for sure.

This was easily the filthiest gun I've ever taken delivery on. The bluing needs to be touched up in places, the lever is pretty badly tarnished and the whole thing was covered in saw dust. My biggest complaint is the action is REALLY stiff. In the field, my concern is trying to open it after shooting the top barrel and fighting with the gun to open when there is a live shotgun round in the bottom and the trigger snags on my coat. Diligently engaging the safety is going to be a top priority. The lever is the weakest point on the gun and I can see accidentally bending it or snapping it off altogether. There is also no click or way to indicate that the gun is fully closed

On the plus side, the gun is very solid. There is nothing flimsy or cheap feeling about it. with the safety engaged, you can shake it rapidly and there is no rattles at all. It's a stout little gun and it points really well. For the price, the stock is obviously not some rare African hardwood or anything, but the stock is smooth and there are no scratches or pits. The fit and finish is also better than expected.

The biggest surprise is how good the triggers are. No creep and very predictable. They are honestly far better than the one on my 10/22.

I like it!

Great grouse gun if it shoots straight,

That's exactly what I got it for. I'm not expecting a 500 yard shooter out of it, but if it's accurate enough for hunting, it should be a really great gun.

[jasnt]

That would make a great grouse or rabbit gun!  Wonder if it will smooth up with use.

[Special T]

Thankyou for posting this.please do a follow up after you have had a chance to put it through some shooting.

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[magnanimous_j]

Wonder if it will smooth up with use.

Other reviews I've read said that it does, but since it came in such rough shape, I'm betting a little oil will make a big difference.

please do a follow up after you have had a chance to put it through some shooting.

For sure. I can't wait to put it through its paces.

[Bullkllr]

Is that a screw at the hinge? If so, it might be loosened to affect the action tightness.

[Special T]

What kind of choke tube does it come with? and are aftermarket ones compatible with it?

[magnanimous_j]

What kind of choke tube does it come with?

No idea. the 6 page, 10 language manual was written before the 20gauge option was available  (I am serious though)

are aftermarket ones compatible with it?

It unscrews like any other choke, so I assume there are other ones to buy. Whether they are universal sizes or not, I don't know.

[GBoyd]

I've always been intrigued by the rifle shotgun combo guns. I do a lot of walking around in areas with grouse and rabbits. I've had the idea I could use the rifle for longer distance sitting shots and the shotgun for wing shooting. I briefly owned a Savage 24 in 22/20, but quickly resold it because I found that I could only use the rifle effectively well within shotgun range. I don't know if better sights could help with that.

When you take it shooting, I'd be interested to hear your effective range with the rifle. Also, how does your wingshooting compare with a dedicated shotgun?

[Special T]

I love my 24f. I wrote Chiappa and told them they should make a 223 or 243 12 gauge combo and I'd purchase in a heart beat.

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