Chiappa Rhino Revolver
This isn’t the gun that won the old west, any similarities are quickly erased when you take a look at the futuristic, unique design of this high-quality Italian-made revolver. The Chiappa Rhino is offered in an amazing 57 different varieties and within those 57 platform choices, you can add the exponential choices of multiple offerings in grips, sights, and other additions that create a revolver that has seemingly endless possibilities.
Offered the most often in .357 Magnum caliber, there are also models in .40 Smith & Wesson, 9 mm, and .38 Special. These popular calibers all have one thing in common, they don’t exit the firearm as they do in a traditional revolver or pistol.
In a traditional handgun design, the bullet chambers are at the top of the cylinder or magazine and fire down the barrel. The barrel is at the top of the weapon. In a Chiappa Rhino the barrel is set in the middle of the revolver, and fires from a chamber at the bottom of the cylinder. This design creates some very unique characteristics when fired. The recoil drives back into the palm of your hand, and the upward motion created in traditional designs is significantly reduced, creating a recoil pattern that is easier to control.
The initial phase of learning how to sight accurately and hit the target takes a little time, but once it is mastered, accuracy is improved as well. This breakthrough design comes at a cost, the Rhino series is much higher priced than competing models built on traditional designs.
Add to the unique design of the handgun the manufacturing process and the futuristic nature of the Rhino are further amplified. Chiappa begins production of each Rhino with a single, solid piece of aluminum for the frame and a single piece of high-quality steel for the working mechanism. The aluminum and steel are then individually carved from that solid stock via a CNC process that cuts each raw section of metal into the finely milled result. This is a different process than other manufacturers use in producing their revolvers.
The final result is a revolver that looks like something Hans Solo might carry, rather than Wyatt Earp, but the quality is unsurpassed.
Chiappa Rhino Popular Models:
- Chiappa Rhino 30SAR 357 Magnum 3in Cerakote Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino 60SAR 357 Magnum 6in Black Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino 50SAR 357 Magnum 5in Black Anodized Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino 30DS Nebula 357 Magnum 3in Rainbow PVD Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino Match 38 Special 6in Gray PVD Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino 60SAR 357 Magnum 6in Rainbow PVD Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Chiappa Rhino 50DS 357 Magnum 5in Black Anodized Revolver - 6 Rounds
Chiappa Rhino Basic Configuration:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 9mm, .38 Special |
| Action: | Single/Double (adjustable) |
| Barrel length: | 3 to 6-inches |
| Capacity: | 6-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger system: | Single |
| Grips: | Wide Variety |
| Sights: | Optical/laser |
| Safety: | Internal |
| Material: | Frame-aluminum / internal steel & barrel |
Price:$789-$3,199
RHINO REVOLVER 30DS NEBULA 357MAG/3" BBL
Arriving with a price tag just shy of $2000, the 30DS Nebula is the featured model in the Chiappa Rhino line. Chambered in .357 Magnum and weighing just 1.7 pounds, you need the unique lower barrel design to handle the recoil from this popular cartridge.
Machined of high-quality alloy steel while sporting flashy blue laminate medium grips that resemble mother of pearl, this is an attractive, eye-catching revolver. The three-inch barrel length is a perfect size for a self-defense weapon, and as all Rhinos do, it has a switchable single or double-action setting. The hammer doesn’t act as a true hammer but just arms the inner pin that hits the .357 primer inside.
30DS Nebula .357 MAG 3-Inch Barrel Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single/double-action switchable |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 3 inches |
| Overall Length: | 7.5-inches |
| Grips: | Blue Laminate Medium |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 1.7 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Multi-color PVD |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Rhino Revolver 40DS (Black Anodized) .357 MAG 4-Inch BBL
A more moderately priced revolver at around $1250, the 4” 40DS .357 Magnum is a popular model due to the greater accuracy many shooters find in a slightly longer barrel. Weight a couple of ounces more than the 30DS at 1.87 pounds, it is still a compact, powerful revolver at a length of 8.5 inches.
The revolver has a classic black anodized frame, with a blued steel cylinder, creating the look many prefer in a traditional style finish. The medium-sized walnut grips finish the classic styling.
Rhino Revolver 40 DS .357 MAG 4-Inch Barrel Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single/double-action switchable |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 4 inches |
| Overall Length: | 8.5-inches |
| Grips: | Blue Laminate Medium |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 1.87 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Black anodized frame, blued steel cylinder |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino 50DS (Black Anodized) .357 MAG 5-Inch BBL
The second-largest revolver in the Chiappa line has identical features with the smaller three and four-inch barrel models with an extra inch in the barrel and a few extra ounces of weight. Handgun enthusiasts have a niche preference with the five-inch barrel. It’s longer, and by default more accurate than the shorter versions, but it is still manageable by smaller users than the larger six-inch barrel versions.
This version has the classic blued steel barrel, black anodized frame, and walnut grips so popular with fans of the original style revolvers from the 1920s and 30s. It weighs just a fraction of an ounce less than two pounds, helping with recoil reduction as well.
Rhino 50DS (Black Anodized) .357 MAG 5-Inch BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single/double-action switchable |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 5 inches |
| Overall Length: | 9.5-inches |
| Grips: | Blue Laminate Medium |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 1.97 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Black anodized frame, blued steel cylinder |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino Revolver 60DS (Gold PVD) .357 MAG / 6” BBL
At first glance, it looks like something Buck Rogers, or maybe Robocop would carry. A shiny, gold, high-powered revolver with a menacing six-inch barrel. The 60 DS is available in a black anodized and a nickel-plated version as well, with the only difference between the three being the choice of finish.
As the adage goes, all that glitters is not gold, but in the case of this revolver, a gold-plated finish over a high-quality steel frame. The six-inch barrel on this model is the largest offered by Chiappa and creates an intimidating image. The recoil is slightly less than smaller models with the 60DS tipping the scales over two pounds.
Rhino Revolver 60DS (Gold PVD) .357 MAG / 6” BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single/double-action switchable |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 5 inches |
| Overall Length: | 10.5-inches |
| Grips: | Blue Laminate Medium |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 2.06 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Gold PVD |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino Revolver 200DS (Black Anodized) .357 MAG / 2” BBL
The snub-nosed .38 is an icon of crime dramas. The simple, close-distance revolver small enough to carry in a purse, or an ankle holster has thwarted many attempted robberies and assaults for almost a century. The Rhino 20DS fills that role for Chiappa with a high-powered .357 magnum revolver with a two-inch barrel that weighs just one-and-a-half pounds.
The 24-ounce weight of a handgun firing a powerful .357 magnum cartridge is asking for a strong recoil, but this is where the lower barrel of the Rhino series comes into play. The recoil is still substantial, but the lower location of the barrel channels that force into the palm of the shooter’s hand rather than forcing it up as traditional lightweight revolvers do.
Rhino Revolver 200DS (Black Anondized) .357 Mag / 2” BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single/double-action switchable |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 2 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.5-inches |
| Grips: | Black rubber |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Non-adjustable trench |
| Weight: | 1.5 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Black anodized frame, blued cylinder |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino Revolver 40 / 50 / 60 SAR (California Legal) (Black Anodized) .357 MAG / 4” BBL
This is a very similar model to the 40, 50, and 60DS models with the notable exception that these are only available in single-action mode. Another important feature of these three sizes of Chiappa revolvers is its California legal classification which opens a huge market for the manufacturer and allows residents of the Golden State access to this unique handgun design.
Aside from the requirement to pull the hammer back to cock the revolver, every other aspect is identical to the DS series. The SAR version of the four to six-inch barrel length revolvers are available in myriad finishes, with a dazzling array of grips that create many unique visual combinations, but all with the same lower barrel firing features of the Rhino line.
Rhino Revolver 40 SAR (California Legal) (Black Anodized) .357 MAG / 4” BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single-action |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 4 inches |
| Overall Length: | 8.5-inches |
| Grips: | Medium walnut |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 1.87 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Black anodized |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino Revolver 60DS/60SAR Nebula .357 MAG / 6” BBL
The two versions of the Nebula, the 60DS and 60SAR are separated by the action, the SAR is a single-action revolver while the DS can be switched between single and double-action by the shooter. Both revolvers feature a unique, futuristic finish called “Nebula” by Chiappa. It has the appearance of steel cooling down from a nearly molten state as the colors fade from orange to standard steel colors.
Add a pair of blue grips and you have a striking piece. Maybe not a style for everyone but a stylish handgun, nonetheless.
Rhino Revolver 60DS/60SAR Nebula .357 Mag / 6” BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Action: | Single-action |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single (SAR) Switchable singe/double-action (DS) |
| Barrel Length: | 6 inches |
| Overall Length: | 10.5-inches |
| Grips: | Medium walnut |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 2.1 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Multi-color PVD |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Charging Rhino Revolver 60DS (Black anodized)
The name might be a bit misleading since this is the last caliber you’d use to stop a charging rhino. Chiappa introduced a pair of Charging Rhino style revolvers in 9mm to widen the shooting platform to those who can’t handle or who just don’t enjoy a strong recoil.
The force exerted by the .357 magnum or even the .40 caliber Smith and Wesson versions of the Rhino is much more substantial than that from a 9mm cartridge. The six-inch barrel increases shooting accuracy over distance, and the lower recoil make it a more suitable revolver for women.
Charging Rhino Revolver 60DS (Black anodized) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Action: | Double-action |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 6 inches |
| Overall Length: | 10.5-inches |
| Grips: | Medium walnut |
| Front Sight: | Fixed Red Riber Optic |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 2 Pounds |
| Material: | Machined alloy steel |
| Finish: | Black anodized |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino Revolver Match Master 38SPL / 6” BBL
The name might be a bit misleading since this is the last caliber you’d use to stop a charging rhino. Chiappa introduced a pair of Charging Rhino style revolvers in 9mm to widen the shooting platform to those who can’t handle or who just don’t enjoy a strong recoil.
The force exerted by the .357 magnum or even the .40 caliber Smith and Wesson versions of the Rhino is much more substantial than that from a 9mm cartridge. The six-inch barrel increases shooting accuracy over distance, and the lower recoil make it a more suitable revolver for women.
Rhino Revolver Match Master 38SPL / 6” BBL Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Revolver |
| Caliber: | 38 Special |
| Action: | Single / double-action |
| Capacity: | Six-rounds |
| Feed: | Manual |
| Trigger System: | Single |
| Barrel Length: | 6 inches |
| Overall Length: | 10.5-inches |
| Grips: | Hogue Micarta |
| Front Sight: | Aristocrat |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable elevation and windage – Green Fiber Optic |
| Weight: | 2.91 Pounds |
| Material: | Ergal frame, Steel barrel, and breech shield |
| Finish: | Grey PVD |
| Extraction: | Manual |
Chiappa Rhino 20, 30,40, 50 and 60DS - .357 Magnum – Additional models
Rounding out the bewilderingly high number of models of the DS series revolver in .357 magnum offered by Chiappa are the same 20DS, through 60DS models reviewed earlier. These revolvers are identical to the one’s reviewed aside from custom finishes, different colored grips and other non-ballistic style features.