S&W 65 in 3 inch Compared to the Chiappa Rhino 30DS in 3 inch…Thoughts Please.

[Shibadog]

I know, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but sweet sassafras, those Rhinos are ugly all over.

The expression “ugly as a mud fence” comes to mind.

 

[CH4]

Friends don’t let friends play with Rhinos. I am a firm and function guy. Don’t think it has either.

 

[Beju]

I shot a rental 4" Chiappa Rhino back to back with my 4" 686.

There is something to the bottom cylinder firing and probably the grip shape that makes recoil easier to manage. While the overall recoil 'volume' felt similar, the Rhino had less of an upward impulse. Mind you, the Rhino was also ~10 oz lighter.

Some Trausch grips might make it a little more apples-to-apples, but they go for a bit more than I'm willing to pay.

S&W DA pull definitely had a better feel than the Rhino though. Looking at the internals of the Rhino, there's just a lot more going on inside of it than in an S&W.

 

[Well Armed]

How a Chiappa Rhino Kabooms from a squib or overpowered charge. FYI: The shooter lost his finger because the blast is at the bottom of the chamber and is directed downwards. He posted NSFW photos.



How a S&W, Colt, and traditional revolvers Kabooms. The blast is directed in the opposite direction away from he shooter's hand.

 

[CollinCountyLawman]

I have a Model 65-5 4" round butt and a Chiappa Rhino 30DS Hunter. I have used both as my duty weapon. Here's what I can say -

The S&W Model 65 is one of my favorite pistols and I want a 3 inch in the worst way. A K frame with fixed sights, round butt, and 3 inch barrel is the perfect carry gun. Never get rid of it.

The Chiappa Rhino 30DS is awesome to shoot. It makes 125gr and 158gr .357 magnum rounds feel like .38 Special. Keep in mind I put a Form Rifle Stocks grip on mine, which was a must for me.

 

[walkin' trails]

Keep the M65. Buyback Rhino or shoot your friend’s, maybe buy one of you like it… my keep the Smith.

 

[Lt.Donn]

I was intrigued by the Rhino when they first came out...bought one, had a serious issue with the sights...had absolutely NO help from CS...sold it and said never again...but YMMV

 

[saki302]

I have both.. the rhino is snapper (light weight), but has little muzzle rise. I like weird guns, so I had to have one. A stainless rhino in 4" would make a nice shooter.

-Dave

 

[Malkovich]

How a Chiappa Rhino Kabooms from a squib or overpowered charge. FYI: The shooter lost his finger because the blast is at the bottom of the chamber and is directed downwards. He posted NSFW photos.

View attachment 775517

How a S&W, Colt, and traditional revolvers Kabooms. The blast is directed in the opposite direction away from he shooter's hand.


View attachment 775518

View attachment 775520

Thanks for sharing the pictures, the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words comes to mind here.

 

[Well Armed]

Thanks for sharing the pictures, the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words comes to mind here.

No problem. I was interested in them until I saw the pictures including the missing finger. The blast goes to the area with least resistance. With the round that is being fired being at the top of the chamber, your hand is protected by a lot more metal via the ejection rod, cylinder, and frame. With the Rhino, the firing chamber is at the bottom closest to your hand. I've been on firearm forums and in the community long enough to have seen a fair share of squid and Kabooms from hand loads and to a lesser degree, even factory ammo.

It's not worth the risk for no other reason than just to have something weird and unique. As far as recoil impulse is concerned, for well over a century to this very day, most people have been successfully utilizing and accurately shooting traditional revolvers. I don't believe any received difference in makes any difference in reality as far as accuracy, speed, and getting shots on target. If it did, Rhinos would be the standard with competitive shooters who are looking for any and every advantage.

 

[kelljor]

Kind of reminds me of a Tesla Truck.

 

[Wista]

Hey all.

I have a really nice m65-5 in 3 inch that I picked up as a police trade in many years ago. It’s a fantastic revolver that I really like. I have a buddy that loves guns and is not as knowledgeable as he’d like to be. He was texting me the other day and asked me to compare my 65 to a Chiappa Rhino 30DS that is also a 3 inch in .357. I knew of it, but have never actually seen one in person or handled one. He was coming at it from “best one for carry” type aspect and he thinks that since it’s 6 ounces lighter, it would be easier to carry. I had to disagree. Even though I’ve never held one, it seems to be awfully bulky and unwieldy. Am I wrong? I don’t think I could ever swap mine for one no matter if the bore axis is lower and it handles recoil better.

So…have you ever compared the 2? What do you think? Would you ever consider a trade for your 65 in 3 inch for one the 3-inch Rhinos? I was a bit surprised to learn they are lighter and that they are so darned expensive. A plain Jane model 30DS in blue is about $1,200. I’d search out a m13 PC or a 586 L-comp for that money every day.

What’s your thoughts? How do these revolvers compare in handling and carrying?

Thanks for your time and help. Have a great weekend all.

NalaJr

 

[Wista]

Hey all.

I have a really nice m65-5 in 3 inch that I picked up as a police trade in many years ago. It’s a fantastic revolver that I really like. I have a buddy that loves guns and is not as knowledgeable as he’d like to be. He was texting me the other day and asked me to compare my 65 to a Chiappa Rhino 30DS that is also a 3 inch in .357. I knew of it, but have never actually seen one in person or handled one. He was coming at it from “best one for carry” type aspect and he thinks that since it’s 6 ounces lighter, it would be easier to carry. I had to disagree. Even though I’ve never held one, it seems to be awfully bulky and unwieldy. Am I wrong? I don’t think I could ever swap mine for one no matter if the bore axis is lower and it handles recoil better.

So…have you ever compared the 2? What do you think? Would you ever consider a trade for your 65 in 3 inch for one the 3-inch Rhinos? I was a bit surprised to learn they are lighter and that they are so darned expensive. A plain Jane model 30DS in blue is about $1,200. I’d search out a m13 PC or a 586 L-comp for that money every day.

What’s your thoughts? How do these revolvers compare in handling and carrying?

Thanks for your time and help. Have a great weekend all.

NalaJr

I love my k - frame

 

[Wista]

This is some of my collection of k-frame

 

[DonD]

OMG, the Rhino is the ugliest handgun on the US market. I'd be embarassed to be seen with one. Don

 

[Well Armed]

OMG, the Rhino is the ugliest handgun on the US market. I'd be embarassed to be seen with one. Don

It's a gimmick revolver that's not worth the coin they're asking for IMHO. Plus it's less safe than a regular revolver.

 

[KenTheHunter]

Like you, I’ve owned a 3” 65 for over 34 years. Also like you, I’ve had no experience with the Rhino, but you have to think about accessories like holsters, speed loaders, availability of spare parts, etc. Manual of arms is also different

 

[DarryH]

R- Ridiculously ugly
H- Horrendous looking
I- I'd never own one
N- No way Jose'
O- Only if it was the last revolver on Earth!!!

 

[halfmoonclip]

Have a .357 Chiappa, and the straight back recoil is truly amazing. Have a 2.5" 66, and find the Chiappa bunches easier to shoot with full powered ammunition.
The Chiappas are not things of beauty, but they feel better in the hand than in a photo.
Not anxious to part with either the 66 or the Chiappa.
Moon

 

[GnarlsR2]

I’ve have shot a Chiappa Rhino 60D and a S&W 65-3 but not at the same time.

I did not like the Rhino at all. I was warned about the flash gap and wore gloves just to make sure I did not get a 3rd degree burn on a support hand finger. I shot it in 38 and 357. The trigger pull was ridiculous. It was very accurate. I’m a lower-recoil wussy. It felt bulky.

It’s a badass looking firearm, like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, but just not something I would ever buy. Both the owner, and another guy who shot it, have gotten flash-gapped! I can think of a number of firearms I’d rather spend $1300 on.