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

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
 
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
 

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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.
 
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
 
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!!!
 
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
 
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.
 
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
Just get a Kimber K6s .357 with 3" barrel and hammer spur. I do really enjoy mine.
 
I think it would be a very interesting heads-up comparison. Whereas I would prefer the Smith if I were limited to just one, I'm considering a 3" Rhino to add to my 3" 38/357 collection just b/c it's different and the reviews I have read are very good. Yeah, it's ugly but I also like Glocks in some applications and they be somewhat "homely" too, IMO.
Ed
Someone needs an intervention. LOL
 

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