Chiappa Rhino Pistol Opinions?

[MikeT124]

I have recently become aware of this series of firearms, I know that they have been out for about 9 - 10 years. If anyone has had experience with these strange little revolvers I'd sure like to here about it, both good and bad. One of my LGS refuses to carry them because of poor durability, says the cranes are not reliable among other unnamed things. My interest in them stems from the alleged fact that the original design for them may have come from John M. Browning and that they seem to answer the problem of muzzle flip when shooting high power rounds. Any information/experience with them will be appreciated.



Mike

 

[Just Say Moe]

No experience here but..... Conventionally designed revolvers have worked a long time. No need to reinvent the wheel or fix something that isn't broken IMO. They seem pretty pricey for the novelty.

 

[JTinTexas]

I have one, and I thoroughly enjoy the pistol in regards to its uniqueness and how it shoots. The design clearly eliminates some of the flipping up that comes with a traditional design and converts some of that motion into a push. From my perspective it is more comfortable to shoot than my Smith & Wessons, and Freedom Arms, but not so much that I would give them up.

I have one with a 3" barrel and it is very accurate, have considered buying a 2nd with a 5 " barrel for target shooting. I have had no issues with the quality of the build/function. I believe the newer ones, which I have, come with better triggers.

 

[MikeT124]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm considering it as a carry option, most likely 3". Mainly interested for quality/reliability issues if any.

Mike

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I bought a Chiappa shotgun and AR in 22LR my wife because I was intrigued by the price. They are pieces of crap.

If you want a good quality revolver at a decent price, go with a Taurus.

 

[n.c.outlaw2024]

chiappa is an italian company. don't think quality control is much of a thing there as in the states. although happy with my uberti repros. think hickok45 had a video on the rhino. rent one if you are able to judge for yourself.

peace

 

[Luisyamaha]

I read that with the lower bore line the felt recoil is more than a regular revolver. Kinda OK with the .357 magnum, but a bit too much with a .44 mag.

Luisyamaha

 

[MikeT124]

Thanks guys,

LS, unfortunately my experience with Taurus has been much worse than yours, I owned a Taurus singe action in 45 Colt, until the first time it was shot, it broke, lifetime warranty, they had stopped making and supporting them, but I did get my money back.

CW1873, I've watched at least one Hickok45 video on the Rhino, don't know if he has done more than one on it. He didn't much care for the looks (I can understand that). Seemed to be pretty happy with the functioning of it and compared to the S&W 686, the felt recoil was different more of a straight back push with less muzzle rise.

Lyamaha, I don't think the aluminum frame could possibly live up to 44mag pressures. They currently make them in 357mag, 9mm, 40S&W, I don't recall any listing in 10mm - so not sure about that. The 357 will of course be fine for 38sp.

Again thanks for your responses, Mike

 

[divingin]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm considering it as a carry option, most likely 3". Mainly interested for quality/reliability issues if any.

Take a few moments the first time you have the Rhino out, #unloaded#, to figure out how to decock it. They're weird in that regard. As I recall, once cocked, you have to fully pull the hammer rearward (to trap the striker or internal hammer or whatever you want to call it), then pull the trigger and lower the hammer. This is as opposed to simply holding the hammer and releasing the trigger as done on a "normal" revolver. Failure to do so will cause an unintentional discharge when the internal striker/hammer is released. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[Stormbringer]

I have shot one. Did not care for it. The recoil impulse seems sharper. The grip type, size and angle were terrible IMHO.

Get a Ruger or a Smith. You won't be sorry.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Thanks guys,

LS, unfortunately my experience with Taurus has been much worse than yours, I owned a Taurus singe action in 45 Colt, until the first time it was shot, it broke, lifetime warranty, they had stopped making and supporting them, but I did get my money back.

CW1873, I've watched at least one Hickok45 video on the Rhino, don't know if he has done more than one on it. He didn't much care for the looks (I can understand that). Seemed to be pretty happy with the functioning of it and compared to the S&W 686, the felt recoil was different more of a straight back push with less muzzle rise.

Lyamaha, I don't think the aluminum frame could possibly live up to 44mag pressures. They currently make them in 357mag, 9mm, 40S&W, I don't recall any listing in 10mm - so not sure about that. The 357 will of course be fine for 38sp.

Again thanks for your responses, Mike

Have no idea bout single actions and don’t want anything to do with them. The only single action I would consider is a a Ruger Vaquero.

However, I’d put a more current Taurus Raging Bull or Raging Hunter in 44 Mag, 454 Casull, 460 smith, or even 500 smith up against anything on the market without hesitation. They will hold up and maintain accuracy for a very long time. I’ve had my Raging Bull in 44 mag for about 20 years now. Shoots just as straight and locks up just as tight as the day I bought it brand new.