brendonjames65
US Veteran
When the Chiappa Rhino was first introduced, I had to admit it was the ugliest revolver I’d ever seen! As the years passed by, I read many positive reviews on the Rhino and I warmed up to it. It kind of reminded me of the gun used in my favorite science fiction movie, Blade Runner. I decided if a saw one at the upcoming Tulsa gun show I’d consider buying one if it was a good deal.
While at the Tulsa gun show this past weekend, within the first 30 minutes, I came across a BNIB Chiappa Rhino 30DS X 357 mag Special Addition 3” barrel, stainless steel, with a nice leather belt holster. Negotiations started. The seller was motivated and came down 300 bucks, a helluva deal I couldn’t pass up! I also bought a BNIB S&W M642-2 38 special (for the wife) for a great deal too, both guns were bought within the first 30 minutes upon entering! I never saw another Chiappa Rhino nor anymore decent priced 642’s for the rest of the gun show. I think it was fate I was meant to have this Chiappa Rhino!
The Rhino version I have has been described as ugly, heavy, clunky and expensive! I agree except I got a killer deal on mine. Weighing in at 45 oz with only a 3 inch barrel it does feel like a little brick with small grips. My version is no longer made and they offer a variety of additional models in several different calibers and finish options including a lightweight alloy frame (mine’s all steel) which makes more sense for a concealed carry gun. Forum member Dr. Mordo did a fairly comprehensive review on a Rhino back in 9/18. He liked his a lot although the consensus from other forum members back then was most hated it! I suspect the feelings not changed any.
I took it to my backyard range the following day to try it out. This isn’t a real comprehensive review, just an impromptu shooting session, shooting steel plates at 15 yards. The grips are very small but comfortable enough to shoot. It has a wide smooth target like trigger. I’d prefer a thinner combat trigger. I made sure to keep my support hand thumb tucked away from the hot gasses from the cylinder gap which I read about elsewhere since the cylinder is positioned lower than conventional revolvers.
I only fired in double action, 50 rounds of 38 special and 25 rounds of 357. Recoils was straight back, very little muzzle rise even with 357. Double action trigger pull is very smooth. For SA you can cock the hammer which really isn’t a hammer, it simply cocks the enclosed hammer and a red indicator pops up showing it’s cocked in SA mode. Sights are 3 dot fiber optic red and green. Really quick to stay on target. It was very fun to shoot and I reliably hit the metal plate.
It’s comparable in size to my S&W 686 PC but much heavier and blocky feeling. DA trigger was lighter on this Rhino than the 686 PC. I believe they are similar in price. As strange looking as it is, and in spite of the unique operating system, I really like this Chiappa Rhino! It’s a very controllable 357, reliable and accurate. I can’t say I like it better than my S&W, Colt or Ruger DA revolvers, it’s very different and I still prefer traditional designed revolvers but I’ll keep this one, it’s fun to shoot!
While at the Tulsa gun show this past weekend, within the first 30 minutes, I came across a BNIB Chiappa Rhino 30DS X 357 mag Special Addition 3” barrel, stainless steel, with a nice leather belt holster. Negotiations started. The seller was motivated and came down 300 bucks, a helluva deal I couldn’t pass up! I also bought a BNIB S&W M642-2 38 special (for the wife) for a great deal too, both guns were bought within the first 30 minutes upon entering! I never saw another Chiappa Rhino nor anymore decent priced 642’s for the rest of the gun show. I think it was fate I was meant to have this Chiappa Rhino!
The Rhino version I have has been described as ugly, heavy, clunky and expensive! I agree except I got a killer deal on mine. Weighing in at 45 oz with only a 3 inch barrel it does feel like a little brick with small grips. My version is no longer made and they offer a variety of additional models in several different calibers and finish options including a lightweight alloy frame (mine’s all steel) which makes more sense for a concealed carry gun. Forum member Dr. Mordo did a fairly comprehensive review on a Rhino back in 9/18. He liked his a lot although the consensus from other forum members back then was most hated it! I suspect the feelings not changed any.
I took it to my backyard range the following day to try it out. This isn’t a real comprehensive review, just an impromptu shooting session, shooting steel plates at 15 yards. The grips are very small but comfortable enough to shoot. It has a wide smooth target like trigger. I’d prefer a thinner combat trigger. I made sure to keep my support hand thumb tucked away from the hot gasses from the cylinder gap which I read about elsewhere since the cylinder is positioned lower than conventional revolvers.
I only fired in double action, 50 rounds of 38 special and 25 rounds of 357. Recoils was straight back, very little muzzle rise even with 357. Double action trigger pull is very smooth. For SA you can cock the hammer which really isn’t a hammer, it simply cocks the enclosed hammer and a red indicator pops up showing it’s cocked in SA mode. Sights are 3 dot fiber optic red and green. Really quick to stay on target. It was very fun to shoot and I reliably hit the metal plate.
It’s comparable in size to my S&W 686 PC but much heavier and blocky feeling. DA trigger was lighter on this Rhino than the 686 PC. I believe they are similar in price. As strange looking as it is, and in spite of the unique operating system, I really like this Chiappa Rhino! It’s a very controllable 357, reliable and accurate. I can’t say I like it better than my S&W, Colt or Ruger DA revolvers, it’s very different and I still prefer traditional designed revolvers but I’ll keep this one, it’s fun to shoot!
Last edited:
