Chiapa Rhino

[bmcgilvray]

I got to examine Erich's Rhino recently. It's very unconventional but actually not quite as downright ugly when seen in person.

We didn't have opportunity to go shoot it but just handling it was pretty impressive. I'd previously read on a forum that the trigger pull, both single action and double action, was horrible. That is just not so on the example I examined. The trigger is good enough to be an enhancement to control. The revolver's ergonomics are great. I'm hoping to shoot it one of these days. I'm pretty hide-bound but I wouldn't mind at all having one for a concealed carry .357 Magnum.

It is strange looking but isn't as offensive to the eye as a run-of-the-mill Glock. At least the Rhino has very interesting lines.

 

[Erich]

Bryan, we've got to hook up again soon so you can give the Rhino a workout! It's really interesting to shoot it side-by-side with the (similarly sized and weighted) Detective Special and the (much larger and heavier) GP-100.

 

[Moonman]

Does the 2 inch Chiappa Rhino have favorite ammo, or does it

shoot poorly with some specific ammo?

Has anyone done much testing of different ammo with it?

I have a 2" WHITE RHINO (brushed nickel) on the way.

I need to get some ammo and I'm looking for a heads up on

accuracy info with the 2 " to get started.

Both 357 and 38+P ammo please as my indoor has NO 357

shooting.

Any info would be highly appreciated.

 

[Erich]

All handguns will vary from gun to gun with what they like. I found my Rhino to shoot very poorly with THE LOAD (if you don't know what that is, you can research it here for amusement), but to do pretty well with most other loads. Me being me, I don't shoot a heck of a lot of factory ammo in the thing.

Here are some random pix of groups it shot:

This is the only factory load group I've got a picture of (10 yds, .38 +P+ 147-gr Hydra-Shoks)

 

[zoom6zoom]

Great feedback... I have been waiting for one to show up at my LGS, may have to end up ordering one. Do you know if all the barrel lengths include a holster, or just the two inch? Haven't been able to locate that info.

 

[Moonman]

Thanks Erich. I do know what THE LOAD is and do actually have have some. I can reload and experiment. Retirement is Great for doing what you want to do for the day. Nice shooting too Erich.

 

[NCTexan]

I got to examine Erich's Rhino recently. It's very unconventional but actually not quite as downright ugly when seen in person.

Boy howdy... I'm glad that I'd read all of the previous posts and understood the context of this thread.

Otherwise, this quote might have made me really roll my eyes.

 

[Moonman]

NOT UGLY, just a little different. A 25 ounce 357 magnum with a 2 inch barrel and 6 shots that has felt recoil and muzzle flip highly reduced is OK with me.

I still know people who think the PLASTIC pistols are ugly and weird.

 

[Rule3]

What price range???

What are these going for at the LGS's?

Yes, what price range are these.??? I know they are not "cheap" and more than the other plastic Rugers in 357.

 

[Moonman]

2 inch guns $700+ DA/SA (Black), DAO is a little cheaper.

$800+ DA/SA (Brushed Nickel). DAO is a little cheaper.

The 2" comes with a nice Italian leather pancake holster as standard equipment with the firearm.

The 4 inch and 6 inch guns are more $$$$.

I don't know if holsters come with the 4 & 6 inch ones.

They are not in abundant supply and are costly.

 

[Babalooie]

Only the 2" comes with a holster.

 

[mc5aw]

For potential Rhino owners and shooters, here's some important grip info from the Chiappa site:

Chiappa Firearms

 

[Moonman]

Thanks for reminding everyone about being careful with the grip hold on a Rhino revolver.

 

[anoblefox]

i will buy one even at the high price WHEN they make one in 45acp!

 

[Rule3]

2 inch guns $700+ DA/SA (Black), DAO is a little cheaper.

$800+ DA/SA (Brushed Nickel). DAO is a little cheaper.

The 2" comes with a nice Italian leather pancake holster as standard equipment with the firearm.

The 4 inch and 6 inch guns are more $$$$.

I don't know if holsters come with the 4 & 6 inch ones.

They are not in abundant supply and are costly.

Ouch!. Thanks but no thanks

 

[DCWilson]

I have been interested in these ever since I read the first here-it-comes report sometime last year. But I'm still living in CA with the infamous DOJ list of firearms approved for sale in this state. The manufacturer/importer (not sure which applies) has said they intend to go for CA certification, but it hasn't happened yet the last time I looked.

I think I would want one of the longer barrel models rather than the snubby.

 

[John Eilertson]

Wouldn't it be something if this "new" design captivates the shooting world?! Just think how long the "normal" looking handgun has been around. While from what I've seen and read this new gun kicks less and handles faster, I wonder why someone like Browning or Colt didn't come up with this (to this point) goofy looking firearm. Without handling one I'm betting it turns out to be a winner. However, I still prefer the look of a S&W.

 

[deadin]

As said earlier, there's a whole lot of little fiddly parts in the mechanism. I don't know if I would want to bet my life (as in a carry gun) on them all working correctly all the time. (The more parts, the more that can go wrong.)

 

[Moonman]

I love the way my 2" Rhino shoots, and so do some fellow range officers and LEO'S at the club. We were testing with some 125Gr 38 Spec+P and the felt recoil was neat.(You could shoot this thing all day) The muzzle flip was also highly reduced. For Noise Reasons the firing of 357 or 44 Mag inside the club range is not allowed. I'll try outside with some hot 357's someday and check felt recoil and muzzle flip.

Everyone that has held mine really likes the feel in the hand and the double action trigger pull. My Rhino is a 2" WHITE RHINO (brushed nickle) and DA/SA.

The future may hold other manufactures trying the barrel on the bottom if sales warrant it. The Rhino is is well made and not cheap as it is newer and in shorter supply.

It's also available in 4" and 6" and they now have a competition trigger.(a very light DA pull)

 

[Erich]

I don't know if I would want to bet my life (as in a carry gun) on them all working correctly all the time. (The more parts, the more that can go wrong.)

Stay out of cars and airplanes. And take the stairs . . . those newfangled elevator boxes are nothing but potential trouble!