Type Revolver Designed 2009 | Place of origin Italy Manufacturer Chiappa Firearms | |
Designer Emilio Ghisoni & Antonio Cudazzo Unit cost $775-$980 MSRP (depending on version) | ||
The Chiappa Rhino is a revolver produced by Chiappa Firearms of Italy. The frame is CNC machined from a solid block of high tensile aluminum and all internal parts are CNC machined from steel.
Contents
Chambered for the .357 Magnum, 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, or 9×21mm cartridges its most distinctive feature is that the barrel is on a low axis compared to other revolvers. The Rhino fires from the lowermost chamber of the cylinder, rather than firing from the topmost chamber.
Design details
Designed by Emilio Ghisoni and Antonio Cudazzo, the Rhino differs from traditional revolvers in a number of ways. Stylistically it resembles Ghisoni's earlier design, the Mateba Autorevolver and was his last design before his death in 2008.
In order to reduce weight, the frame of the Rhino is made of Ergal (an aluminum alloy), The Rhinos receiver is CNC machined from a solid block of high tensile aluminum. Virtually all of the components are CNC machined as well, this manufacturing process yields a very precise fit with minimal tolerances. For models other than the 20D (double action only), the trigger may be used in either single-action or double-action mode. Only the 2 inch 20D model comes in "double-action only".
The external cocking lever is not actually a hammer, as on most revolvers. Instead, it is used to cock the internal hammer and then falls back into place, minimizing the number of externally moving parts and reciprocating mass, making the revolver different internally. An additional feature of this gun is that, unlike most revolvers, it comes with an accessory rail (except for the 2" model), on which lights and lasers can be mounted. The revolver is available blued, as well as a version in electroless nickel finish referred as the "White Rhino.". A gold colored version was displayed at the 2014 Shot Show.
Unusual among revolvers, the Rhino fires from the lowermost chamber in the cylinder as opposed to the uppermost. This is intended to reduce muzzle flip by directing the recoil into the shooter's wrist, rather than over it. Another distinctive feature is that the cross-section of the cylinder is hexagonal instead of cylindrical (though with rounded corners); this is intended to lower the weapon's profile in concealed carry applications.
Variants
Chiappa manufactures the Rhino in a number of sizes, barrel lengths, finishes and calibers, including a frame that is made from polymer instead of aluminum.