Chiappa Rhino Revolver

[OnPointFirearms]

The Chiappa Rhino is a lot like a Lamborghini with its exotic Italian design, advanced engineering, and of course: blistering speed. With this snub-nose revolver, you can send six rounds of .357 magnum down range in 1.39 seconds-- with a minimal amount of felt recoil. Kick is mitigated thanks to the bottom chamber firing position. Although the Rhino looks like it came off the set of Blade Runner, the unique styling has really grown on me.

The first thing you notice about the Chiappa Rhino is the position of its barrel: at the bottom of the cylinder. This form follows function and allows shooters to align the bore with their index finger naturally. The synthetic grips are very comfortable and allow you to get a really high purchase on the weapon. The Rhino's forward-thinking design also introduces radical improvements to the internal mechanisms over a conventional revolver. These features afford the Chiappa Rhino superb reliability, a super-smooth action, and improved safety. Its hexagonal-shaped cylinder creates a flatter profile ideal for carrying the weapon concealed.

The Chiappa Rhino revolver is chambered for the potent .357 magnum, a perennial favorite. While shooting the video, we fired 100 rounds of Magtech 125gr .38 Special +P. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMhozHQWM8o ) It functioned flawlessly and was a pleasure to shoot. I rarely shoot more than 25 rounds with my S&W 642 during a trip to the range. With +P ammo, it's just brutal. Not so with the futuristic Rhino revolver! However, it does weigh in a bit more than the featherweight Smith & Wesson: 1.58lbs, unloaded. The frame is made of Ergal, an aircraft grade aluminum alloy and although the Rhino is an Italian import, the final fit and finish work is done here in the USA.

The eccentric design of the Chiappa Rhino is not for everyone, but I believe the weapon will enjoy a cult following for many years to come. It's something different and there are shooters that will appreciate its elegant balance of form and function.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and video. Special thanks to Crazy Bill and Cisco for their help at the range. Have a good one and God bless.
-- Evan

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[OnPointFirearms]

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[OnPointFirearms]

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[OnPointFirearms]

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[GermanSynergy]

It certainly look unique, and probably appeals to a small niche market.

[operator81]

Can you show it side-by-side with a S&W 442/642, and/or an LCR? Also, how are they priced? Video was good, definitely less recoil and flip then a normal snubby.

[OnPointFirearms]

It's definitely larger than the 642. Sorry, didn't take pics of that comparison. The Rhino is just a bid smaller than a G26-- but a bit wider, of course.
Evan

[operator81]

Thanks, that gives me some idea.

[Zhurdan]

Kinda looks like a Meteba Auto Revolver, especially the uh... cylinder. (if it can be called that now hehe)

[rbabbitt767]

It was designed by the same guy that did the Mateba.

[Zhurdan]

Ha.. weird. I just got done reading that actually.

[OnPointFirearms]

Oh, here's the video from one of the Chiappa marketing reps showing the aforementioned sub-2sec rapid fire test:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O217lS2kVRk

Evan

[500grains]

If the quality is good them I am sure they will have a cult following.

It seems to be about the same size as the 8 shot S&W Model 327 2" .357 mag.

[fnforme]

Intriguing, but it seems like it's a bit heavy and bulky for the amount of firepower it provides. However, it's nice to see someone trying to innovate such a classic platform.

[LHS]

It's an interesting idea, but kind of like a well-tuned prop-driven fighter plane: obsolete before it hits the market.

Sure, the recoil impulse may be lower, but it's still a bulky, short-barreled 6-shot revolver. What makes it more suitable for self-defense than a G26?

[NMBigfoot02]

It's an interesting idea, but kind of like a well-tuned prop-driven fighter plane: obsolete before it hits the market.

Sure, the recoil impulse may be lower, but it's still a bulky, short-barreled 6-shot revolver. What makes it more suitable for self-defense than a G26?

I've got to agree. I appreciate the effort and engineering that went into this, but unless it's about the size of a standard snub, I don't see it going anywhere.

[Jake'sDad]

I'd like to see it in a 5 shot large caliber..... .41, .44 mag, etc.

[OnPointFirearms]

Here are some teaser pics Chiappa sent me last week. It's of a special edition 200D (DAO) model with "olive wood" grips. Enjoy.

http://www.onpointsupply.com/images/chiappa_rhino_olive_wood_1.jpg
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[rat31465]

While I have never handled one I have to say that I don't like the look of the cut out in the frame for the trigger finger.
The steep angle would indicate that your hand would have to be canted downward and in an unnatural position....making it necessay to pull up and back to actuate the trigger...? Seems like this would create a situation where shots would be pulled high upon sear release in double action mode.
I think I will stick to my Smith & Wesson Model 13.
I am sure that this will appeal to some though.

I do like the squared flat sides of the cylinder though...should help to relieve some of the outlining during concealment.

[ROCKET20_GINSU]

This is a really neat concept and interesting design. I really appreciate the thought that went into creating this cool wheel gun. I don't think I would purchase it either unless it was smaller and lighter but if I "had" to shoot .357 a bunch out of a small revolver I would probably be even more interested. Are there any existing speed loaders that would work with the cylinder on this revolver?

GU

[Shawn.L]

I used to have a SW Model 60 (no dash) and while liked the snubby, liked the smooth trigger, and shot it well I just couldnt get used to that revolver grip, esp on the draw.

The grip on the Rhino looks like an easier transition from someone used to semi's. I cant really tell unless I get hands on one though.

[dvdlpzus]

How much do they go for anyhow? The S&W Bodyguard revolver seems extremely nice. If the Chiappa Rhino revolver is around that price or cheaper would be nice. I still favor the Bodyguard though.

[kjdoski]

I'm as open to new ideas as the next guy, but there are several things about this design that I'm not that excited about.

First and foremost, rear sighting appears to be integral to the hammer - in a reverse of the old cap and ball design where there was a sight notch on the hammer that aligned with the front sight bead when the hammer was locked back. In this design, it appears you'll only be able to use the "sights" when the hammer is forward - as soon as you prep the trigger pull, your rear "sight" will rotate out of the field of view. Not sure why they would do that - no reason not to mill a sight into the top of the receiver - there's plenty of metal there.

The recoil reduction does look dramatic, especially in the six shots in under 2 seconds video. However, the revolver IS all steel, and weighs 24+ ounces, so I'm sure the weight is dampening the recoil a lot...

Other than that, the design is definitely "unique" enough that, if the price were right, I'd probably get one just to have it in the collection...

Regards,

Kevin

[dvdlpzus]

The special edition seems to have the rear sight on the top receiver. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[markm]

I remember seeing pics of these from the last SHOT show. Cool looking I guess.