Chiappa Little Badger vs Henry AR-7

I have both... will say I like them both... but the AR-7 seems a tad cheap, maybe its the plastic, maybe its the fact that it will occasionally jam with cheap ammo, mags seem low quality and its a $325 + .22... it does need an overhaul as someone else mentioned.

I pick the badger over the two. Super accurate, small, cheap, decent quality... there are some issues but mine has never had those issues. Its just an awesome, small, light, accurate .22. Like its $190? No brainer. Buy that sucker if you like it even a little.
 
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I can't say much for the little badger since I've never really tried one. It would be AR 7 if I was going to choose pack rifle due to it being semi auto 3 magazines in the stock. One in the receiver and two spares in the stock. Easy to assemble and disassemble and also the ar7 floats if it gets dropped in the water. If you get one I recommend you get the one with the orange liner in the butt stock and has an orange front sight. This is the newer model and is more reliable compared to the previous versions. The savage rascal is also a good alternative for a small pack rifle no does not take down. IMO. One more suggestion. Use good high velocity 22 lr ammunition so it reliably cycles. This is where having a single shot break open or bolt action can be less problematic compared to a semi automatic rimfire that may be finicky regarding the type of ammo that you use. Hope this helps in your decision. Happy plinking and keep the lead downrange. Cheers
 
grelmar said:
Dry fire it once and you'll see what I mean - it will leave a definite mark on the head of the chamber, and a burr into the chamber large enough that you'll need to file it back to even be able to chamber the next round (found this out the hard way).
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Good to know, great thread this! I have a Norinco JW-20, so it isn't too purdy, and you can do without the forend. When they were on sale at Canadaammo they were $125.
 
homer76 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. I looked at all the suggestions and the Savage Rascal almost won. I like how it handles. I was not at all concerned about quick follow up shots and more concerned about reliability. The only problem with the Savage Rascal is the OAL. It is just too long and I am not interested in taking it apart to make it more compact. I would like it to fit inside a backpack; not outside. It looks like the Chiappa Little Badger is the rifle best suited to my needs. I have found quite a few ideas for mods to the rifle and can't wait to buy one soon and get started!
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Would a mares leg/ranch hand in .22 or .22mag fit the bill?
 
Buy them all! I have the LB ands its really neat, I also have an Armalite AR 7, so early a model it has patent pending on it, the stock is a swirly camo variation. It is really accurate, but there is only one mag in the older models. Now I want a Papoose, and a Mares leg! Too!
 
ive got the little badger and i like it.
i dont use it much but it does come out in my quad whenever im out and when we go camping i take it in the trailer and take it hiking in case i need it (or get bored)

i have handled and shot the AR7 and i am going to pick one up, but not because i like it better then the badger but because i have 2 boats (one inboard and one inflatable for isolated lakes) and i want one to take when i go boating and the AR7 floats!

what i would say to you is do need or prefer semi or single fire?
do you want it to be able to fold down small?
does it need to float or dosnt matter?

answer those 3 and you should find your gun i would think.

and above was mentioned Henry Mares Leg in 22, my dad went that rout and loves it.
 
I like my Henry.
If I'm using 22lr, I want more than one bang.
Weighs next to nothing, fun to plink with and has the tidiest 'stow-away' I've ever seen.

Plus, its the "Ducks Unlimited" model, which means it's worth an extra penny as a collector's item!!!
 
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