its pretty damn ugly, thats for sure!!

 

its pretty damn ugly, thats for sure!!

Let's see, I have 1911s, Sigs, Glocks, and the ugliest handgun in my safe is a....Oh, that's right, a Glock! OK, Ugly is only skin deep, and the Glock does function quite well! After looking at the Rhino in person last week at my local range I liked it. After putting rounds down range...I loved it! I hope to pick mine up this weekend!!!!

 

Alright! Finally a believer steps forward!

 

I understand that to cock it (SA mode), that the hammer is a psuedo-hammer and that it does not stay back but returns to it's original position so that there is no visual means of telling if it is cocked? Also the only way to uncock it, is to pull the trigger (sound like any other gun that we're familiar with :whistling?

I do like the concept, though (I even like its looks). I love the lower bore axis, and I'll take function over form any day. I won't be one to rush out and buy the first generation, but it's definately on my 'watch list'.

 

Yes, this is the DS model: double and single action. Pulling the hammer back is a bear. It's also a scary proposition to have to decock-- especially with an independent hammer. I am not the biggest fan of the rear sight being built into the hammer either.

 

Can you take pics of it next to your 642? I would like to see a size compairison. Thanks!

 

They're interesting, but not for me.

 

Thanks for the picks. What speedloader is it compatible with? I take it's not cut to accept moon clips?

How do you operate the latch? Pull it, push it, lift it, press it? My guess is you push it forward and up. How does it work for lefties?

How is pushrod doing punching out .357 empties? Looks short.

I like the concept but really would want to see more rounded edges on the carry gun. The front end looks like it will make a short work of any holster (especially when sliding the gun in). Guess more money for aftermarket gunsmiths The tool marks on the outside of the steel breech insert don't look right at this price range.

Looks like the hummer serves as the rear sight. If this is the case it would probably make sense to machine a flat undercut into the back of the hummer to cut glare.

Cocked hammer indicator is a nice touch but wouldn’t the trigger be pulled back anyway? Also does this indicator rise up every time you pull the trigger DA? If so does it mess with the sight picture?

The curve behind the trigger where your middle finger rests. Looks like the grip is forming a "step" there. Does it bother you? Just looks like something that would abrade the hell out of the middle finger.

What distance the irons are regulated at? Berto touched on the subject at another thread about Rhino. High sight line can be a problem if sights are regulated for up close. Are different height front blades available?

My favorite peeve is that rhino-head logo. Looks like grotesque half-moon or demented Packman, especially when looked at from left to right.

 

Another question. Is the cylinder locked up front?

I don’t see the problem de-cocking. Sorta reminds me of P9S. Non-reciprocating hammer is long overdue in revolvers and should be touted as one of the main features right next to the lower chamber firing.

 

Interesting idea, looks bulky, and running between $650-$750 it's a little too rich for my blood.

 

The Chiappa Rhino is a lot like a Lamborghini with its exotic Italian design, advanced engineering, and of course: blistering speed.

That or an Edsel...only time will tell which.

 

Looks like it locks at the crane and the frame. Looks strong as hell.

 

Looks like it locks at the crane and the frame. Looks strong as hell.

The only lock up I see is that of the back of the cylinder to the frame- familiar plunger in the center of the cylinder. Where do you see it locking at the crane?
There is a ramp on the top of the yoke that makes me think there could be a spring-loaded detent directly over and facing the barrel. Is that what you meant?

Speaking of the crane. Looks like it’s thinner than on any other revolver- it has to clear the barrel. But also it has a mean undercut in pivot area, to limit the swinging arc. I think the crane is very thin right around the pivot where it’s hidden by the frame.

 

I can't get myself to like this. I want to... but I can't. I have tried for 6 months.

 

Thanks for the picks. What speedloader is it compatible with? I take it's not cut to accept moon clips?
DUNNO ON THE SPEED LOADERS. THAT WAS ONE OF MY FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS FOR THE REP AT CHIAPPA. I'LL FIND OUT.

How do you operate the latch? Pull it, push it, lift it, press it? My guess is you push it forward and up. How does it work for lefties?

YOU PULL DOWN ON THE LATCH WITH YOUR THUMB. IT'S PRETTY HARD AT FIRST, BUT LOOSENED UP AFTER A GOOD CLEANING AND THE FIRST BOX OF ROUNDS.

How is pushrod doing punching out .357 empties? Looks short.

DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE .357 BECAUSE WE ONLY HAD +P .38SPL TO FIRE. EJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM WITH URGENCY LIKE A CHAMP BURGER WITH CHEESE AND A POT OF BLACK COFFEE.

I like the concept but really would want to see more rounded edges on the carry gun. The front end looks like it will make a short work of any holster (especially when sliding the gun in). Guess more money for aftermarket gunsmiths The tool marks on the outside of the steel breech insert don't look right at this price range.

I FORGOT TO POST PICS OF THE NICE LEATHER RIG THAT SHIPS WITH THE GUN. IT'S PRETTY JAGGED, BUT IN A GOOD WAY. THIS GUN IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE.

Looks like the hummer serves as the rear sight. If this is the case it would probably make sense to machine a flat undercut into the back of the hummer to cut glare.

I COULD USE A HUMMER RIGHT ABOUT NOW. THE HAMMER ACTUALLY IS INDEPENDENT OF THE INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM. IT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL DURING DA FIRE. YOU USE IT TO COCK THE WEAPON INTO SINGLE ACTION MODE. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY GLARE.

Cocked hammer indicator is a nice touch but wouldn’t the trigger be pulled back anyway? Also does this indicator rise up every time you pull the trigger DA? If so does it mess with the sight picture?

COCKING INDICATOR WAS NICE AND DIDN'T GET IN THE WAY. IT RISES EVERY TIME YOU FIRE IN DA MODE.

The curve behind the trigger where your middle finger rests. Looks like the grip is forming a "step" there. Does it bother you? Just looks like something that would abrade the hell out of the middle finger.

DIDN'T BOTHER ME AT ALL. LIKE I SAID, THIS GUN WAS A PLEASURE TO SHOOT. MUCH BETTER THAN THE TRIGGER ON MY 642. I COULD SHOOT THIS THING ALL DAY LONG.

What distance the irons are regulated at? Berto touched on the subject at another thread about Rhino. High sight line can be a problem if sights are regulated for up close. Are different height front blades available?

DON'T KNOW ON THIS. WE WERE SHOOTING HIGH, AND I WOULD'VE EXPECTED THE OPPOSITE. WE WERE SHOOTING AT 25FT.

My favorite peeve is that rhino-head logo. Looks like grotesque half-moon or demented Packman, especially when looked at from left to right.

NOW YOU'RE JUST TALKING CRAZY. THE RHINO LOGO IS THE HEAT! HOW COULD YOU NOT LIKE IT?

Answers above in ALL CAPS. Thanks! -- Evan

 

That or an Edsel...only time will tell which.

After thinking about it all day, I think it might be more like a Saab.

Evan

 

Thanks for the pics.

The basic looks I can live with. I think I actually like the general look. Calling it the Rhino is genius.

The plastic, wood grain grips? Yuck!

The hammer system sounds really odd and having the hammer being the rear sight sounds terrible.

The price seem way out of line considering the plastic grips and cheap look of the gun.

Another one of those, "Why couldn't (fill in the blank) be making something like this?" type guns. Kinda like anything made by Keltec.

 

I had my reservations...until I shot one, any reservations were belched out with the ball of flame when I pulled the trigger. This thing was amazing! BTW, the grips are not plastic, they are rubber, and the rep at the range told me they already have a new tectured design that looks better. They were using S&W L frame speed loaders with no problem.

When I was at the range they were video taping the 5" & 6" guns and they had some wild looking laminate grips that looked great! They let me shoot the DAO model, and that is my choice, I'm waiting for mine to come in, my deposit is paid! Price was 729.00 + Tax, and it included the very nice Italian Holster!!

 

I'd have to think that as the power level increases, the advantage over a conventional DA revolver would increase. Meaning simply that this design should really lend itself to the 44mag, 454 Casull, etc.

 

It's ugly as sin, but I really want to shoot one. Thanks for posting the detailed pictures.

 

Buy this and you feel like Harrison ford tracking down replicants..... I do like the looks of it.

 

Thanks for posting. Very interesting. Tagged for followup.