Chiappa Firearm’s Revolutionary Rhino .357 Magnum Revolver

Chiappa Firearm’s Revolutionary Rhino .357 Magnum Revolver

Chiappa Firearm's Rhino .357 Magnum Revolver
Chiappa Firearm's Rhino .357 Magnum Revolver
Chiappa Firearms
Chiappa Firearms

Dayton, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Chiappa Firearms debuts a new production revolver and concept at the MKS Supply 2010 SHOT Show display (booth 15549).

Called the Rhino (sort of resembles one too) you will first notice that the barrel is actually at the bottom of the cylinder. The gun is designed to fire from the bottom chamber of the cylinder (6:00 position not 12:00 as with other revolvers).

The new design resulted in improvements of the internal mechanisms over conventional revolver designs yielding up incredible reliability, a super-smooth action and improved safety.

Function over form!

The Rhino’s low barrel design ergonomically shifts recoil energy into the center of the palm of the hand and in line with the forearm thus greatly reducing the effects of felt recoil. Traditional revolver design (semi-autos too) place the barrel above the hand.

When the gun is fired the leverage applied by that design forces the recoil into the web area of the hand between the thumb and trigger finger causing significant muzzle snap. Not the Rhino! Due to this new design a shooter can now fire very fast and accurate repeat shots.

The Rhino is designed reduce its carry profile. This design is even carried into the hexagonal shaped cylinder making for a flatter profile when carried (especially handy for legal concealed carry).

The Rhino looks different, so what’s the deal? The looks are the direct result of the innovative improvements. Then again who would have thought a few years ago that fiberglass stocks (in color and with patterns) would one day be routinely accepted on traditional wood sporting rifles or that pink revolvers would be a rage?

Basic Specifications (and more later as other variations or models develop):

  • Caliber: .357 magnum (and of course .38 Special)
  • Barrel Lengths: 2,3,4,5, and 6-inch (4-inch shown in image)
  • Basic weight 25-ounces with a 4-inch barrel
  • Frame Material: Ergal (a high-strength aluminum alloy)
  • Metal finish: Blued or brushed alloy and stainless steel (stainless version first available in U.S.)
  • Stocks: Composite rubber or wood. One piece, retained by a single screw at the butt.
  • Capacity: 6-rounds
  • Final fit and finish work done in U.S.A.
  • Stainless Polished Version Price (MSRP) 2- and 3-inch, $775; 4-inch, $899; 5-inch, $925; 6-inch, $980.
  • Availability: Stainless versions expected mid-May or early-June 2010.

Additional background: It all began in 2000. First, the full history of this Italian designed firearm is far too extensive for this press release, but a few facts may help you. The Rhino is NOT the semi-automatic revolver referred to as the Mateba (Accurately written as Ma.te.ba.). The Ma.te.ba. and the Rhino are both designed by Emilo Ghisoni which may explain why the guns look similar. Mr. Ghisoni and his friend and financial supporter Antonio Gudazzo completed the project.

When Mr. Ghisoni passed away in April 2008 Mr. Cudazzo then took the gun design to Mr. Reno (no kidding) Chiappa, proprietor of the Chiappa Group (Italy) of which Chiappa Firearms is a subsidiary.

Mr. Chiappa then contacted Ron Norton of Chiappa Firearms, Ltd. (a subsidiary responsible for the developing of Chiappa products in North America) and the Rhino revolver finally begun production in 2009. The result is the Rhino, a different looking highly-functional, ultra-smooth action revolver with a purpose engineered recoil controlling ergonomic design.

Marketed by MKS Supply, Inc. 8611-A North Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414, 877-425-4867 or 937-454-0363

Please visit the MKS display at SHOT and see the Rhino and other new firearms Booth 15549

21 Comments
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Chris

I would love to have 1 got the stopping power of a 357 a unique design & a new concept to get 6 rounds downrange faster

dacajundawg

Ugly, maybe or maybe not, it’s all in the eyes of the one holding it in their hand, while someone is looking down da barrel. The pistol holds and shoots well, with little recoil and is very intimidating when looking down the barrel.

Michael

That is the coolest looking revolver ever made (within price's affordability). It is beautiful. I want one.

Bradley

Im curious any one own one of these? How's it function and does if feel solid in the hands?

The Doctor

Recently purchased the 60DS in black. Shots very well and is easy to control. Recoil is very managable. The 60DS weighs in at just over two pounds. Have fired about 400 rounds so far with no problems. As much as I like the Rhino, my wife (at 5'4" and 100 lbs) likes it even more. She can handle the 357 recoil. She likes it so much that she's taking my 60DS and buying me a nickel-plated 60DS. What's not to love about that!

Shane

"how much is it. havent been able to find out online??????"

Read the article…. "Stainless Polished Version Price (MSRP) 2- and 3-inch, $775; 4-inch, $899; 5-inch, $925; 6-inch, $980."

That would be perfect for a man or woman! Large caliber and controllable due to design. Cant wait to try one of these.

If you care about what the gun looks like then your head is in the wrong place… What is this a fashion show? Afraid the perp will laugh at you when you pull it out to defend your life? LOL!

john

how much is it. havent been able to find out online??????

Joel Bolton

This is not a new design, the Mateba Unica 6 shoots out the six and is a semi-auto also. I have a 357 mag version and it is extremely comfortable to shoot. I like the fact that this could be used as a concealed carry…

Raymond Lussier

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,THAT is one beautiful piece of the gunsmiths art,I'm old,but not too old to try new things,I am gonna purchase a "Rhino 357"

Willie

I think I will stick with my Smith and Wesson. It's a proven product. Plus, when I shoot it, it becomes part of me. I don't need to be learning to shoot a new one. I'm too old to start trying new things when I know what I have.

Chaz

Ugly as in A-10 Ugly.

If it's 'that' ugly… I like ugly.

Will Ganz

I've emailed Chiappa and the listed distributer, MKS Supply, about the availability this AM.

john sweeney

Looks good, would like to see one in the steel.

6 in. or 4 in. SS would be my choice.

Mr. Colley

this is just like the mateba model 6 unica or most any of the mateba revolvers for that matter its just not on a slide to make it a semi auto. and dosent have a interchangable barel

Michael D Rea

I think I'll get me one.. I like the looks of it for CC. plenty of punch without a lot of weight.

the future

come on now thats one fine piece of hardware

Dan Hunter

A little ugly but that is not the most important thing.How will it handle and feel and will you be able to get speedloaders.

Rick

If it looks menacing to a would-be robber, I don't care how butt-ugly it is. Looks good to me!

Richard Sieber

since when has looks been the most important factor in a firearm??????????

Mike Dodson

I don't care about puke ugly so much as I do reliability and concealability. The goofiest looking part of it is the grip; this can be fixed by a good woodman to give it a more traditional or classical appearance, if one just has to have that. I own a J-framed Rossi; lots of Colt guys think mine is a butt ugly gun — I don't care cause it works the same as their does and cost me a whole pot less.

Paladin

I think I"ll stick with the traditional. It may have a bit more recoil but it isn't puke ugly.