CHIAPPA FIREARMS BUSHRANGER 22LR WD/CF 10RD 16″
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold-hammer-forged 16-inch barrel lasts 15,000 rounds—7,000 more than button-rifled alternatives
- Takedown design reduces length to 22 inches—fits in backpack compartment
- Weighs 4.8 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barrel carbines
Trade-offs
- No included optics rail—adds $40-$50 and installation time
- 10-round magazine capacity limited versus 15-round Ruger 10/22 options
- Walnut stock susceptible to field scratches without protective finish
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Chiappa Firearms Bushranger 22LR WD/CF 10RD 16″? It's a takedown semi-automatic rimfire carbine chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 16-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel and 10-round rotary magazine, designed specifically for shooters who need compact transport without sacrificing mechanical reliability. Built on Chiappa's proven Little Badger platform but scaled up to semi-auto functionality, this firearm bridges the gap between survival rifles and plinking carbines with legitimate field durability.
What is the Chiappa Firearms Bushranger used for?
This carbine serves as a compact field rifle for small game harvesting, trail carry, and training scenarios where ammunition cost and noise reduction matter. The 16-inch barrel provides optimal velocity for .22 LR rounds (typically 1,200 fps with standard velocity) while remaining compact enough for ATV or backpack storage, and the takedown feature reduces its transport length to just 22 inches when separated.
How does the Chiappa Firearms Bushranger compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Bushranger outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in portability and ammunition economy but falls short for medium-game hunting. Where the Stevens delivers 2,600 fps muzzle velocity with .308 rounds for deer-sized targets, the Bushranger's .22 LR rounds cost 8 cents per shot versus 80 cents for centerfire, making it superior for high-volume training and small pest control.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This carbine weighs 4.8 pounds unloaded and measures 35.5 inches overall length with a 16-inch barrel. The cold-hammer-forged barrel contributes 1.9 pounds to that total weight, providing rigidity that reduces point-of-impact shift during rapid fire, and the walnut/CF (carbon fiber) stock combination keeps the package 11 ounces lighter than all-wood equivalents.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you require centerfire stopping power for defense or hunting beyond coyote-sized game. The .22 LR cartridge generates only 130 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle—less than 10% of a typical .308 Winchester round—making it unsuitable for bear country or home defense scenarios where terminal ballistics matter more than ammunition cost.
What's in the box?
You receive one complete rifle, one 10-round rotary magazine, and a factory test target showing 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards. Unlike many competitors, Chiappa includes neither optic mounting rails nor sling swivels standard, requiring aftermarket purchase of Picatinny rails ($35-$50) and Uncle Mike's QD swivels ($22) for full field readiness.
Is the Chiappa Firearms Bushranger worth it at $439.99?
At this price point, it justifies its cost for shooters needing a reliable takedown .22 LR with forged barrel construction uncommon in this category. The cold-hammer-forged barrel provides 15,000-round lifespan versus 8,000 rounds for standard button-rifled barrels, making it a long-term value despite the initial premium over $300 alternatives like the Henry AR-7.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800949316 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 500.282 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Long Top Picatinny |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles reliably with 40-grain round nose ammunition at 1,200 fps or higher. Avoid subsonic loads below 1,050 fps as they may not cycle the semi-auto action consistently without suppressor gas pressure.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When disassembled, the 22-inch package fits most 24-inch takedown cases. For assembled transport, you'll need a case at least 36 inches interior length—I use Plano's All-Weather 36-inch model for mine.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments from our warehouse typically arrive in 3-5 business days via UPS Ground. We process background checks within 24 hours of FFL paperwork verification.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Yes, but it requires adding a Picatinny rail—the factory receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws. I recommend Warne's 7-inch rimfire rail ($42) for optimal optic positioning.