Although the Chiappa X-Caliber was actually first shown at SHOT Show 2014, it only started shipping a few months ago. It’s a lightweight survival gun configured as a break-open over/under with a 12 gauge shotgun barrel on top and a .22 LR barrel on bottom and a dual extractor in between. What truly makes it a survival gun is that it can shoot at total of 10 different calibers, including. . .
.380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .357 Magnum / .38 Special, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .410 gauge / .45 LC, and 20 gauge. I guess that’s actually 12 calibers, even if Chiappa doesn’t seem to count the two “bonus” ones — .38 Spl. and .45 LC — in the X-Caliber name (assuming the X means 10).
This caliber swapping power is provided through a set of 8, 12-gauge caliber adapter inserts. They’re somewhere between 7 and 8 inches long, and they are rifled:
The inserts are also sold without the firearm in complete kits of all 8 adapters or individually, and they’ll fit in most any break-action 12 gauge shotgun.
Also unique is the X-Caliber’s stock, which is made from sealed polypropylene foam sandwiched between steel sideplates. Supposed to be very light, while absorbing some recoil and retaining good strength. Looks like you can store some 12 ga shells and .22 LR rounds in it as well.
12 ga on top, .22 LR on bottom, extractor in the middle.
Tyler is working on a full review. Watch this space.