CHIAPPA FIREARMS RHINO - 357 MAG/38 SPL - 5" - 6 RD
Chiappa FirearmsThe Chiappa Rhino in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is one of the most groundbreaking revolver designs of the modern era, combining radical engineering with real-world performance advantages that traditional revolvers simply can't match.
- Fires from the bottom cylinder chamber, dramatically reducing muzzle rise
- Low bore axis aligns recoil force almost directly into the shooter's palm
- Lightweight aluminum alloy frame and barrel shroud for comfortable carry
- Hexagonal cylinder design provides a distinctive, modern aesthetic and grip
- Fiber optic front sight enables fast, accurate target acquisition in any light
- Snag-resistant hammer design for smooth, reliable draw from concealment
Who This Is For
The Chiappa Rhino 5" is ideal for competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and home defense users who want a .357 Magnum revolver with significantly reduced felt recoil and faster follow-up shots. It's also a standout choice for collectors and firearm aficionados who appreciate innovative engineering and forward-thinking design in a proven caliber.
Specifications
| Brand | Chiappa Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | Rhino |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 5" |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Action | Double / Single Action |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Shape | Hexagonal |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front / Adjustable Rear |
| Bore Axis | Low (fires from bottom chamber) |
| Hammer | Snag-Resistant, Low Profile |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Chiappa Rhino fire from the bottom of the cylinder instead of the top?
Traditional revolvers fire from the top chamber of the cylinder, which places the bore axis high above the shooter's hand and creates significant muzzle flip under recoil. The Rhino's patented bottom-firing design lowers the bore axis to nearly hand level, transferring recoil force straight back into the palm rather than upward. The result is dramatically reduced muzzle rise, faster target reacquisition, and more comfortable shooting — especially when firing full-power .357 Magnum loads.
Can the Chiappa Rhino shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition?
Yes. The Rhino is chambered for .357 Magnum and is fully compatible with .38 Special cartridges as well, since .38 Special rounds headspace correctly in .357 Magnum cylinders. This makes the Rhino versatile for practice with lighter, more affordable .38 Special loads, while still offering the full power of .357 Magnum for defense or hunting applications.
Is the 5" Chiappa Rhino suitable for concealed carry or is it better as a range/duty gun?
With its 5" barrel, the Rhino is best suited as a range, competition, or home defense firearm rather than everyday concealed carry. Its unique hexagonal profile and longer barrel make it less practical for deep concealment. However, its reduced recoil and excellent accuracy make it an outstanding option for target shooting, IDPA/ICORE competition, and as a bedside or vehicle defense revolver. Chiappa does offer shorter-barreled Rhino variants (2" and 3") that are better optimized for concealed carry.
- Caliber:
- 357 MAG/38 SPL
- Capacity:
- 6 RD
- Night Sights:
- No
- Barrel Length:
- 5"
- Action Type:
- Revolver
- Optics Ready:
- No
- Frame Material:
- Alloy
- Slide Color:
- Silver
- Frame Color:
- Silver