There’s no doubt that the lower barrel axis of the Rhino reduces muzzle rise and contributes to a more controllable revolver. The recoil is still there but is driven straight back into the palm of the hand. You’ll feel a bite with full-power .357 Mag. loads, but muzzle rise is so minimal you’ll first think you’ve had a misfire or even a squib load. The speed at which you can aim follow-up shots with this revolver is nothing short of astounding.

Final Thoughts
If your firearm purchases are driven by aesthetics, you likely won’t give the Rhino a second look. It is not sexy or graceful. On the other hand, if you’re a revolver aficionado and like the idea of a very controllable, powerful handgun for self-defense or even competition, the Rhino deserves some consideration.

I dare not speculate on its durability. My wife and I fired 200 rounds through the test gun, however, and we experienced only three malfunctions. These were with the Remington 125-grain Golden Saber .38 Spl. +P loads. On three separate occasions, when attempting to eject the cases from the cylinder, the ejector star jumped the rim of a case and left them only partially extracted.

Chiappa is offering 2-, 4-, 5- and 6-inch versions of the Rhino. Obviously, the 2-inch version is intended for the defensive-handgun market. It is indeed a bit heavy by today’s compact revolver standards, but is far more comfortable and controllable than revolvers twice as large. The longer-barrel versions might find a home with competition-revolver shooters because their recoil-reducing benefits are comparable to those of a compensated revolver. Also, S&W L-frame speedloaders work with the Rhino.

Maybe, the most important thing to keep in mind about the Rhino is that it is the first incarnation of the new millennium revolver. For more than 100 years we have not seen a significant advancement in revolver design. Now, with the Rhino, what we have is a small, lightweight revolver in a powerful chambering that is very controllable. That is indeed something. And, while Sam Colt may not approve, remember, about 30 years ago a lot of folks believed polymer-frame pistols were too weird to be successful, too.

Manufacturer: Armi Sport di Chiappa Silvia
Importer: Chiappa Firearms; (937) 835-5000; www.chiappafirearms.com  
Action: double-action, center-fire revolver
Caliber: .357 Mag. (.38 Spl.)
Cylinder Capacity: six
Frame: black-anodized aluminum alloy
Cylinder: steel
Barrel: 2"(tested), 4", 5" and 6", 
six grooves, 1:19" RH twist
Stock: black synthetic, one-piece
Sights: non-adjustable ramp front and notch rear
Trigger Pull: double-action, 10 lbs., 8 ozs.; single-action, 5 lbs.
Length: 6½"
Width: 17⁄16"
Height: 415⁄16"
Weight: 25 ozs.
Accessories: leather pancake holster, cleaning rod, owner’s manual and hard case.
Suggested Retail Price: $749