I stumbled on to a used but almost unfired 2" Chiappa Rhino for a good price a few weeks back. I finally took it to the range today.

For those not in the know, the Rhino is a weird/futuristic/ugly 6 shot revolver that's most notable feature is the barrel is on the bottom of the cylinder rather than the top like almost every other revolver. The lower barrel changes the recoil so it pushes directly into your palm rather than pushing across the top of your hand, thereby reducing felt recoil and barrel flip.

I had reservations but have been very curious since I first saw one. In a 26oz gun, I found it hard to believe that lowering the barrel would make all that much of a difference when shooting hot 357.

To cover my bases today, I brought a wide range of loads to try, and I brought my chrono -

some very tame 38 SPL 158gr LSWC handloads (4.2gr Trail Boss)
Remington UMC 38 SPL 125gr +P
Winchester Defend 38 SPL
fairly tame 158gr 357 handloads (5.7gr Universal)
Magtech 125gr Guardian Gold 357 Mag
Speer Gold Dot 135gr 357 Mag
Buffalo Bore 158gr 357 Mag (19E Short Barrel Low Recoil)
Hornady 158gr XTP 357 Mag.
Federal 158gr JSP 357 Mag

I had not ever shot the Speer or Hornady, but I've shot the Federal before in my M19 and M686 and it was right at the edge of what I would call fun. I typically shoot a cylinder or two and have had enough, so today I saved it for last.

Well, the Rhino lived up to its hype. I started with the weakest loads and worked my way up, and by the time I got to the Hornady's I was amazed because I was getting all the blast and noise of a hot 357, but the felt recoil was significantly less than my Airweight J frame 38 SPL. I was conservative with the pricey defensive ammo, but ended up shooting the rest of the box of Federal, much of it freehanded and some with my left hand. I could easily have shot another 100rds of the Federals before my hand gave out, which is amazing because like I said that stuff is pretty hot by my standards. So the Federals were actually kind of anticlimactic because I had shot the Hornady XTPs right before and the XTPs were definitely the hottest rounds I shot today. That said, the XTPs were still plenty tame and comfortable to shoot despite the blast and ear-ringing crack even with hearing protection.

I am just amazed. I would never have thought it would be so different from a standard revolver, but it's quite literally apples and oranges. My wife has gone shooting with me twice in 20 years together, but after a little warm up I would be comfortable handing her the Rhino loaded with full tilt 357 Mag. The idea that someone fairly inexperienced could handle a 26oz gun loaded with magnums is amazing to me.

Of course, the other big question is the trigger - it's very nice, almost on par with S&W Performance Center guns IMO. It's comparable to a Smith and Wesson, though it seems slightly lighter. The trigger is very wide with no grooves and it's very easy to scoot your finger down and get a little more leverage on the bottom of the trigger. You can also get spring sets from Chiappa that detune it depending on your needs, but obviously reliability may suffer.

I have to say as a result of this gun I'm thinking I may need to get a 4" version for belt carry, or maybe I should get two 2" and have that double small-of-back holster made. They also make it in 40 S&W, 9mm, and 9x21. If they made it in 44 SPL or MAG, I'd have ordered one already. I'm thinking seriously that the 325NG I bought a while back but can't seem to like may be looking for new home to pay for another Rhino.

When I get around to it I'll probly post some pics of the more unique features of the Rhino. I'd guess there are about half a dozen significant improvements over the classic revolver design.

Chrono:

handload 158gr 38 SPL LSWC (4.2gr Trail Boss)
676-608-572-621-630-638

handload 158gr 357 Mag LSWC (5.7gr Universal)
743-837-809-818-796-800

Remington UMC 125gr 38 SPL +P JHP
816-851-826-840-793

Speer Gold Dot 135gr Short Barrel 357 Mag JHP
1024-1042-1062-1052-1061

Hornady XTP 158gr 357 Mag JHP
1016-1007-1025-1031-1010

Federal 158gr 357 Mag JSP
1023-990-971-979-984

Magtech Guardian Gold 125gr 357 Mag JHP
1032-1015-1031-950-1020-1008

Winchester Defend 130gr JHP
671-668-745-738-766 (slow!)

Buffalo Bore 19e 158gr Low Recoil JHP
994-1000-991-1034-1018

Dirty gun pics after the range session





Terrible pic of my S&W 637 PC on top of the Rhino for a size comparison:

Attached Images

	Chiappa Rhino 1a.jpg (124.7 KB, 871 views)
	Chiappa Rhino 4.jpg (115.0 KB, 867 views)
	Rhino under 637.jpg (34.9 KB, 865 views)

The low bore axis thing just plain works, especially in a revolver where there is no slide action to spread the recoil in time.

In a semi auto it is also important, but some cunning designs like the Grand Power series (rotary barrels) and the Hudson H9 (unique force application points) have shown that other tricks work too.

__________________
Release the Kraken

Thanks for the great report. I just can’t get past the looks.
No offense to those who own a Chiappa, I am a superficial, form and function guy.

I AGREE--THAT IS A WOW ! ! !

THANKS FOR THIS VERY DETAILED AND INFORMATIVE REPORT. I HAVE BEEN ENAMORED OF THIS REVOLVER, SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION.....

I AM ALSO A HUGE FAN OF THE A-10 WARTHOG---NOT A VERY PRETTY AIRCRAFT, BUT LIKE THE RHINO, IT GETS THE JOB DONE.....

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING, I AM NOT ATTRACTED TO UGLY WOMEN...... lol.

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

People that own them seem to really love them. I suppose I will try one eventually..but lordy lord..that is one UGLY slab of iron.

No kidding! Someone was definitely thinking outside the box. Makes a Glock look sexy

I've read a few similar reports regarding the Rhino. Never fired one, did handle one at a gun show, was surprised how well balanced it felt. Not as cumbersome as it looks. It does have a legion of fans, most notably The Yankee Marshal. That said, my LGS won't carry them, (alleged quality control issues). Might be narrow minded on my part, but that's enough for me. Until S&W or Ruger makes one, I'm staying old school. MHO you understand.

IF you can get past the look of the thing, the idea seems sound...

did you u kinda get blast from blow by gas? CONGRATULATIONS!

Can't help but think about the old line:

BUT SHE HAS A GREAT PERSONALITY AND SHE'S A WONDERFUL COOK.

Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. :-D

This revolver design is definitely challenged when it comes to appearances, but it is also an example of the principles of physics when it comes to linear and tangential forces.

I too have heard very good reports on the Rhino, but I just can't make myself try one. Reminds me of riding a Moped, lots of fun but you don't want your friends to see you on one.

If the cylinder grenades because of mistake in reloading, it's better to have the traditional arrangements as the fragments go up rather than down at the hands.
Wouldn't have considered this till I experienced it.

I agree with the low bore axis and have experienced the same reactions in semi-auto handguns.

I just can not bring my self to buy such a aesthetically challenged revolver.

__________________
On the Oak Savannah

Yep, it’s ugly.

Great report though, thanks.

I don’t even want to try one, if I like it, I’d be tempted to buy one, and then I have to live with it, take it to the range etc..

Yep. Looks like a staple gun with tape dispenser.

__________________
S&W Accumulator

That chunk of metal looks as lethal as a tank. She ain't purty, but I'd take her out.

Pull the sideplate and then let us know just how confident you are that all of those little-bitty parts are going to remain trouble free......


(I still wouldn't mind having one just because of the complications....)

__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Sorry Mike, but the 'staple gun' has already been appropriated by the HK crowd for the P7 line-up. Sometimes even referred to as a tectonic staple gun.

__________________
On the Oak Savannah

Along those lines...."eager beats pretty"

__________________
Forum consigliere

When you have a face that resembles a bag of spanners like me, eager is essential.

__________________
Release the Kraken

I've said it before and I'll say it again, ever since I first laid eyes upon the monstrosity that is the LeMat Cartridge Revolver, my definition of an ugly revolver has changed drastically...



Compare the Chiappa Rhino, Ruger LCR, Taurus Judge, and any other of the so-called "ugly" revolvers by today's standards to that. Suddenly they seem a lot less ugly, no?

WTH is that????

Shouldn't that be "clear to the frame"?

In addition to having the world heaviest trigger pull, the 1895 Nagant revolver also has more than it's fair share of 'ugly.'

I've always felt that when it comes to ugly, the long barrel Chiappa was right up there with Hi-Point. But I have to admit , in the short barreled version, it really is a nasty and serious looking blaster, and not as ugly as the long barreled version. Pretty cool actually

__________________
John

THE 2" DS, IN .357 MAGNUM WOULD BE MY CHOICE FOR CCW, IF I WAS TO PURCHASE ONE......

THERE ARE SEVERAL CLIPS ON THE INTERNET, ILLUSTRATING THE CONTROLLED RAPID FIRE, THAT IS AFFORDED BY THIS REVOLUTIONARY DESIGN......

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I have to say they named it well. I am surprised they didn't name it the block, but that would mess with the Glock's description.

Like the song goes...marry yourself an ugly woman and be happy for the rest of your life.

I noticed in this video that the Rhino had what appeared to be a much lower recoil.

My son tried to talk me into buying one when they first appeared so we (he) could try it out. I declined and told him if we waited a few years they would either have been pulled from the market because they didn't work or would be available used from guys who couldn't stand the sight of them in their safe. Neither of us ever got back to it. Nice to hear a review.

__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.

On the TV show Covert Affairs, the lead, a female, carried one. I assume because she was of slight build and it packed a big punch. And it stood out. Hers was a 3" or 4" model I believe.

Doesn't the odd cylinder actually make it thinner?

Similarly, and to my eye almost as homely, is the HK P7 squeeze cock. Always reminded me of a Dymo label maker. The Chiappa is kinda Capt. Kirk meets Josey Wales. Nonetheless, the more choices, the better.

It's slightly thinner than a K frame cylinder, but it's actually a bit larger than it has to be because they make a .40 S&W version as well.

They look alright. A tool form follows function in that respect I think they look good but they don't have the nostalgia no history with that look that's why people say ugly. I read a story about RFID chips. I wonder what ever happened.

Here one is sounds like fiction...

Chiappa: Hidden RFID Chip IDs Gun Owner "Forever". Or Not. - The Truth About Guns

Space Cowboy?

Attached Images

KQ2AcOX.jpg (23.8 KB, 69 views)

if i might be excused for re-igniting a 3 yr old thread, i wish to voice my opinion that the 4" rhino is a future-classic. i think it has interesting and beautiful lines - unique and very original. it just needs to show up in the right venue, say, in the hand of the right movie star in the right movie (like dirty harry selling all those 44 magnums). or becoming a favorite of some respected gun writer.

i really want to fire one and if it's possible, buy one. it's never bothered me to be different.