Chiappa Little Badger Handguard

D

Dare312

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This started out as an early covid project that turned out much better than expected so I wanted to share it with the gunnutz community and get some opinions.

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I started experimenting with 3D printing during early covid and after getting the hang of it, I decided to try my hand at making a handguard for this little rifle as I couldn’t find anything on the market that I felt did it justice. This is a really fun gun, but it’s not the most aesthetic looking and I was hoping I can improve it a bit.

The goal was to make it look like it came out from the factory (or better) while keeping the top rail and folding angle of the rifle. Ergonomics were a high priority since I have large lands and the factory quad rail setup just wasn’t doing it for me. I took inspiration from old hunting rifles and over unders for the checkering on the sides and bottom since I wanted to see how far I can push 3D printing in terms of detail. The result is what you see and I think it came out fairly well.

I am curious to hear what people think about this and if anyone would potentially be interested in it or something similar. It turns out I really enjoy making things like this so if anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them.

Edit: Wow, I am blown away by the amount of responses this got. If anyone is interested in getting one of these, just shoot me a PM!
 

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Looks great Dare, Classic lines for sure.... :)

I assume you've seen Daver II's work, I posted a review of a couple of his 3D printed grips that make a huge difference to the comfort and handling of these little grouse blasters.
 
^^ Thanks for the shout out!

OP, nice work, I agree a matching grip would be sweet!

Such a great gun, and worth every second of the time you put into them.


Dave
 
Thanks for the compliments fellas, I really appreciate the feedback!

Definitely seen Dave's work, I'm a big fan. Thumbs up to anyone that tinkers with things like these!


I have been working on a grip as well but its far from done. I've pretty much nailed the ergonomics but I'm not too happy with it from a visual standpoint. I'll post some images tomorrow and hopefully get some input.
 
Thanks for the compliments fellas, I am blown away by the amount of responses this got.

If anyone is interested in one, PM me and I'll have one on your way asap.
 
Daver II's minimalist model pistol grip, modified to have the same checkering style would be a good combo, I can't see much room for improvement on Daver II's compact design for keeping it minimal yet offering way more comfort and control for the strong hand.
 
Can-down said:
Daver II's minimalist model pistol grip, modified to have the same checkering style would be a good combo, I can't see much room for improvement on Daver II's compact design for keeping it minimal yet offering way more comfort and control for the strong hand.
Click to expand...

I think its going to be hard to incorporate checkering into his design while keeping that classic look. Plus I wouldn't want to copy his design. I can definitely do something that fits the handguard better but it's going to take me a bit of back and forth.

Here's what I have so far, this is a super early prototype and the main goal was to get the ergonomics down;
pistol grip.jpg

Right now its pretty much perfect ergonomically but I am not at all happy with the look. It's really hard to get that classic look without modifying the stock geometry. I have a few ideas that would involve having the grip go around the stock, somewhat similar to Daver II's design which would also stabilize the stock and make it less wobbly when shouldering.

This is a quick sketch I did to illustrate the direction that I'm thinking about going in:
grip sketch.jpg
sketch big.jpg

The final version would have some checkering similar to the handguard.

Let me know what you guys think, any feedback is welcome!
 

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Copy away!

Running support up the back end makes it solid, and gives you nicer lines.

I love the work, and am happy to see more tinkering with these great little rifles.


Either way, borrow design elements from mine or not, more 3d pprinting and designing gun stuff is fun and to be encouraged.
 
Dare312 said:
I think its going to be hard to incorporate checkering into his design while keeping that classic look. Plus I wouldn't want to copy his design. I can definitely do something that fits the handguard better but it's going to take me a bit of back and forth.

Here's what I have so far, this is a super early prototype and the main goal was to get the ergonomics down;
View attachment 630133

Right now its pretty much perfect ergonomically but I am not at all happy with the look. It's really hard to get that classic look without modifying the stock geometry. I have a few ideas that would involve having the grip go around the stock, somewhat similar to Daver II's design which would also stabilize the stock and make it less wobbly when shouldering.

This is a quick sketch I did to illustrate the direction that I'm thinking about going in:
View attachment 630134
View attachment 630135

The final version would have some checkering similar to the handguard.

Let me know what you guys think, any feedback is welcome!
Click to expand...

My opinion, which I also shared with Daver II, is the smaller the better as it's in keeping with the over all minimalist design of the Little Badger.

I don't think you need the "beak" on the birds head shape you have there, I'd try and contour it back towards the wire stock with a similar profile as the front of your fore end.

When Daver II scaled his original grip down a bit it looked better to my eye and was still as or possibly more comfortable depending on your grip preference.

I compare the smaller grip to a single action revolver where the pinky is not suported around the front edge of the grip but wraps around the bottom contour which locks it in nicely and also feels good working the hammer.

Not sure if anyone can photoshop it in but here's a couple shots of Daver's grips.

qxNorcn.jpg


Even the palm of my hand locks in a bit on the small section that is between the wire stock.

LEt6VDX.jpg


Position shifted forward working the action release,

uuTxxZC.jpg


yzG83yN.jpg
 
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