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[Review] Chiappa Rhino 40DS: Current Favorite Revolver

Chiappa rhino
Want a different kind of revolver? How about a futuristic one that has the lowest bore axis possible? We hands-on review the Chiappa Rhino 40DS!
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    Do you know one type of gun that’s remained untouched in an era of innovation? The revolver. And it’s time we talk about one of the coolest, best shooting, and innovative revolvers on the market – the Chiappa Rhino!
    Chiappa rhino
    Chiappa Rhino
    Lots of companies are still producing normal revolvers, for sure. Colt even brought back a few, and Kimber introduced one, on top of all the offerings from S&W, Ruger, Taurus, and more. But…what is different about them? Ruger, Taurus, and S&W all introduced revolvers using polymer to create lightweight designs. Charter made a neat system for automatic, rimless rounds that doesn’t require a moon clip. That’s it, except for one little company out of Italy called Chiappa. Chiappa firearms They took the six gun and employed a little bit of creativity to it. Chiappa employed a fella named Emilio Ghisoni, and he teamed up with another guy named Antonio Cudazzo to design something truly unique. Emilio had a refreshing habit of building ultra-excellent revolver, starting with forgotten Mateba Auto revolver, a semi-automatic revolver.
    Meteba-Auto-Revolver
    Meteba-Auto-Revolver
    The Rhino shares a lot in common with the Mateba, but it’s not a semi-automatic gun. These two Italian designers gifted us with what’s become one of the coolest guns in decades, the Chiappa Rhino. The Rhino is a fascinating revolver. What it does differently from a traditional revolver is position the barrel in alignment with the lowermost chamber of the cylinder. Most revolvers position the barrel in line with the topmost chamber of a cylinder, and they always have. The Rhino’s barrel is placed so low for a reason, and it doesn’t just look cool it’s functional.

    It’s All About That Bore Axis.  

    We hear a lot of garbage about bore axis in the firearms industry. If you want to make fun of SIG Sauer, then point out “How high” their bore axis is. Then you can feel smug on Facebook.
    smug sea lion
    Smug Sea Lion is smug
    Bore axis in automatic handguns, in standard calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP is a joke. People like to claim that the bore axis of a gun like the SIG will cause more muzzle rise and muzzle flip. Does it? Yep, it sure does, but in these cartridges it’s infinitesimal. If I drew you a pie chart of all the reasons why people cannot shoot quickly and accurately bore axis wouldn’t even be mentioned.
    High and low bore axis
    High and low bore axis
    On an automatic gun it’s often not low enough to matter, and the cartridges these guns fire do not create a whole lot of recoil and muzzle rise in the first place. The only automatic that I can think of that has found a way to make the bore axis low enough to matter is the Laugo Alien. Sorry, that’s my bore axis rant. I used to fall for the same hoopla. However, a revolver allows the barrel to sit much lower and can be chambered in much more powerful rounds like the .357 Magnum. This is where we see the significant difference in bore axis. The Chiappa Rhino has hardly any muzzle flip.
    Chiappa rhino
    Dat low bore
    Even when loaded with full powered .357 Magnums the Chiappa hardly moves. Don’t be mistaken, you still feel the recoil, but there is hardly any muzzle rise. You can keep the sites on target without much difficulty. This low bore axis makes the gun incredibly comfortable to shoot, and it’s hard to describe it until you try it. It is a brilliant design.

    On to the Review

    Now that we’ve addressed the Rhino in the room that is the oddball design we can talk about the Rhino a little more in depth. The Rhino comes in a variety of sizes with model numbers that express the barrel length.
    Chiappa Rhinos 200DS and 40DS
    Chiappa Rhinos 200DS and 40DS
    The models include the 20D, (Double action only) 20DS, the 30DS the 40DS, the 50DS and the 60DS with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-inch barrels respectively. The model we are reviewing is the 40DS in .357 Magnum. The gun also comes in 9mm and .40 S&W.

    The Rhino’s Unique Edge

    Outside of the lower barrel height the Chiappa Rhino 40DS sports a Picatinny rail for attaching lights or lasers. Rails are a very rare feature for revolvers. The 60DS even has a small rail for attaching an optic.
    Tested Pistol Red Dots
    Lots of pistol red dots in our Best Pistol Red Dot review!
    The interesting design features don’t end there. The “hammer” for example is not a hammer. It doesn’t move as you fire the gun. This hammer appearing thingy is a hammer-cocking device that you can thumb the gun into single action mode with. The device will then go back to what appears to be an uncocked position. A red indicator sticks up when the gun is cocked into single action mode. Positioned behind the ‘hammer’ is a lever that releases the cylinder and makes it easy to open the cylinder with one hand.
    Chiappa rhino
    Cylinder flats
    Additionally, to reduce the profile of the gun the cylinder is hexagonal and not round like a traditional revolver. The sights are fully adjustable, and there are a variety of sight options out there. These sights are blacked out in the rear, and the front is a red fiber optic sights. The grip is wood, which is somewhat cool on such a modern revolver.
    Chiappa rhino
    Adjustable rear sight
    The Chiappa Rhino 40DS is a big gun but looks bulkier than it is. The 40DS weighs 1.87 pounds, which makes it lighter than most of the 4-inch revolver competition out there. The weapon has a 4-inch barrel and is 8.5 inches overall.
    Chiappa rhino
    Shiny fiber optic front sight

    Hitting the Range

    The Rhino 40DS is a fun gun to shoot. It looks cool, and it’s very comfortable. As I mentioned above the weapon has minimal muzzle rise and its perfectly pleasant to shoot with .357 Magnums. It can also handle .38 Special and with .38 special loads its perfect for teaching new shooters how to handle a revolver.
    .38 Special vs .357 Magnum
    .38 Special vs .357 Magnum
    The red fiber optic front sight is very easy to pick up and small enough to avoid covering small targets at longer ranges. This sight makes it easy to reach out and touch a target. Speaking of, the gun is plenty accurate for shooting out to 35 yards on smaller targets. On man-sized targets, the sky is the limit, as is your skill level. Out to 75 yards, I bet you won’t have issues hitting a man-sized target especially if you cock the weapon into single action mode. The trigger is nice, nothing super special in terms of revolvers, but more than adequate. The double action is more impressive than the single action. The double action is heavy, but it feels shorter than you’d expect. The single action is a solid meh, nothing special compared to most revolvers. Chiappa rhino If this weapon is going to serve a defensive role the double action is much more important than the single action. As a revolver, the Rhino is reliable as a gun can be. It ignites ammo both cheap and pricey, including Tula .357 Magnums and their overly hard primers. I will say the biggest downside, in my opinion, is the gun’s grip. It looks nice, it points nicely, but it doesn’t feel my hand very well. It’s just too small for me. I do have big hands, and I think a bigger grip would benefit me. The grip is also excessively smooth and feels like it wants to slide around in my hand. If it wasn’t for the low bore axis, the Rhino 40DS has I feel like it requires me to shift grips every few shots.

    Best Chiappa Rhino Aftermarket Upgrades

    The aftermarket for the Chiappa Rhino is somewhat small. There are some holsters out there, some custom speed loaders, and speed strips will always work with the Rhino. In terms of what I would choose for my Rhino given its limited market, I would go with the following.

    1. Galco Combat Master

    $77
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    While the Rhino is a revolver of the future, it’s still a revolver, and a leather holster is a great way to carry your gun. This model is made for the 40DS and is an OWB holster for concealed carry. The Combat Master clings tight to your body and is a pancake design. The Combat Master is a little boomerish, but a revolver deserves leather and always will.

    2. Safariland J-R4C Comp 2 Speed loader (Ruger Security Six version)

    $11
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    There are some nice aluminum custom Rhino speed loaders out there, but they are not exactly cheap. The J-R4C is an injection molded design and is very affordable. The J-R4C is made for various guns, but the models compatible with the Ruger Security Six is compatible with the Rhino.

    3. Snap Cap .357 Magnum Rounds

    $15
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    Like mag changes if you are going to carry a reload you best know how to use it. It’s not safe to practice with live ammo, so spend a few bucks and buy some Snap Caps. These are perfect for practicing those reloads safely and realistically.

    4. Bianchi Speed Strips

    $10
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    Bianchi made the original Speed Strip for revolvers and continue to do so. The Bianchi Speed Strips are designed to make carrying reload simpler than a speed loader. Speed strips are flat and fit easier in pockets and still allows you to carry six rounds. They are slower and do require more practice to use efficiently. They do allow you to top off your revolver should you only fire a round or two in self-defense.

    By the Numbers

    Reliability 5/5

    It’s a flipping revolver. It’s either a 5 or a 1, and there is no in-between! It’s certainly not ammo or primer picky, and it goes bang when you pull the trigger. The cylinder always opens, the hammer still cocks, and it all just works.

    Accuracy 4/5

    The gun is plenty accurate, and you can reach out and touch a target. The gun points very well, the sights are small but easy to see, and the rear sight is adjustable. I knocked one point off just because the single action is very meh. The Rhino is not a cheap revolver, and I’d prefer a crisper SA design.

    Ergonomics 4/5

    The gun is plenty ergonomic. The controls are well thought out, and you can tell the design is from a shooter for shooters.
    Chiappa rhino
    Note the release lever and cocking hammer
    The hexagon cylinder makes it easy to grip when reloading with a speed loader, the hammer cocking device is easy to reach, and of course, the cylinder release is perfectly placed. It loses one point for the smallish grip in my gorilla hands.

    Looks 5/5

    I mean c’ mon, this thing is cool as hell. There are a few reasons why it ends up in movies like Ghost in the Shell, Suicide Squad, and Total Recall. It looks like it stepped out of the pages of a comic book and I can’t help but love it.

    Customization 2/5

    There isn’t much you can do, you can change the grips, add a light maybe, and that is about it. It gets two because of that rail and how rare a rail is on revolvers.

    Bang for your Buck 3/5

    This is a pricey revolver, with the average price of the 40Ds being around 800 bucks it’s a tough sell. At least to me, it is. For 800 bucks and some change, you can get a 686 Plus Performance Center revolver with more rounds, a better trigger, and comparative sights.

    Overall 4/5

    Overall this is one of my favorite revolvers. It’s not perfect, but it is just so freakin’ cool. It’s fun to shoot, easy to hit your target with, and the futuristic look and design make it a unique experience.

    Parting Thoughts and Final Shots

    The Chiappa Rhino is an ultra-cool gun. As far as revolvers go, it’s tough to take the concept and improve upon it, but two Italian designers managed to find a way. The Rhino is also more than just a gimmick. Chiappa rhino Plenty of guns come out with a gimmicky feature and rely solely on that feature. The problem is they lose focus on how to make a good gun. The Rhino is a good gun. It’s more than just a low barrel profile. The gun features excellent controls and ergonomics, a decent trigger, and several innovations that leave most revolvers in the dust. The Rhino isn’t perfect, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t my current favorite revolver. What’s your take on the Rhino? Is it cool enough to enter your collection?  Otherwise check out our other favorites in Best .357 Magnum Revolvers.

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    24 Leave a Reply

    • Jamie Waters

      Travis I think you need to do another article on the Rhino as part of your Pop culture series, I don't have the numbers to back this up, but anecdotally speaking I'd have to say the Chiappa Rhino may be the most used revolver to be used in futuristic movies. I know you mentioned a few in this article, but if a Rhino is good enough for Master Chief in the new Halo series...its good enough for me!

      May 9, 2022 10:29 am
    • Kirk Moses

      Does Anyone Know Where I can get a 40D I live in Alaska and No One Has One/

      February 15, 2022 10:23 am
    • Michael

      There are a number of aftermarket grips for the Chiappa Rhino

      January 30, 2022 3:26 pm
    • Keithnicholl

      Hi I have the 177 pellet charging rhino .I find the trigger very hard to squeeze in s/a and would like to fit a Red Dot on top( 5in barrel pickattiny rail under , none on top) how do I fit one ? Regards Keith

      January 14, 2021 8:30 am
      • Trav_man

        If it has adjustable sights on top you may be able to remove them and install a scope mount in their place. You would have too check too see if any are available and confirm this is poss.

        February 1, 2022 9:13 am
    • Welz ED

      I have the .357. I love the way it shoots., And unlike a lot of people, I think it's beautiful. The trigger could use a little work and the grip needs to be a bit larger. I'm about to get another, just because I like the look so much.

      June 13, 2020 4:55 am
    • Steven Fine

      What is a semi-automatic revolver?

      May 23, 2019 5:28 pm
      • Brian Fletcher

        Like the Webley Fosberry .455 Automatic Revolver.
        Auto revolvers utilize blowback/recoil to achieve cylinder rotation & cocking.
        There are numerous articles and videos on it. Here's a brief but good one.
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqkcVlzVSw

        It's seen in "The Maltese Falcon" and "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan" and "Zardoz"

        August 28, 2019 11:29 am
    • Bob Smith

      Does their customer service still suck?

      May 21, 2019 4:09 pm
    • Michael Wimer

      I own the 40DS and love it ...

      May 21, 2019 6:29 am
    • Charles Boots

      I've been very intrigued by the Rhino since it came out.

      I have 2 questions: 1) As I also require XL gloves, are there any aftermarket grips out there for the larger gentleman? And 2) Have you had a chance to try the 6" barrel? I seem to like the aesthetics of that a bit more.

      Thanks, Travis. Keep the great articles coming, Marine, & Semper Fi!

      May 21, 2019 4:43 am
    • Pogo

      Revolvers have been around almost 200 years. Congratulations Chiappa, you created the ugliest.

      May 20, 2019 4:42 pm
      • Hammer

        Agreed. While on a purely conceptual level, I can understand some of the design elements, it's hard to even look at that thing. About the closest I'll come to Italian firearms is Benelli shotguns.

        May 26, 2019 10:37 am
    • Richard

      Sounds interesting and I have seen a few out there. As has already been mentioned I wonder if there will be a trigger improvement?

      May 20, 2019 3:34 am
    • Hammer

      "Bore axis in automatic handguns, in standard calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP is a joke.... If I drew you a pie chart of all the reasons why people cannot shoot quickly and accurately bore axis wouldn’t even be mentioned."

      Kudos for profiling a highly unusual revolver. But even more praise for saying the above, which needs to be said. Repeatedly and loudly.

      May 19, 2019 8:01 pm
    • Paul Happel

      Got a snub nose rhino on my hip. My daily carry for approx 4 years or whenever they came our.

      May 19, 2019 5:37 pm
    • TimP

      Any chance your trigger finger would be caught up in the cylinder gap blast?

      May 19, 2019 5:03 pm
      • Steve Kasiguran

        I have the 60DS, and I have never had an issue with cylinder gap blast. That said, I do pay attention to my grip......

        May 20, 2019 4:49 am
        • Bad

          Most conventional revolvers have gap blast, you adjust your grip to suit. Should you be too old or stupid to overcome the issue, jump on the sawed off shotgun.

          March 30, 2021 3:57 pm
    • Gary McCoy

      Always Love Your reviews, Travis. Equally fun to read and informative.

      May 19, 2019 4:34 pm
    • Chip Burnette

      If they would put even a decent trigger on it (or somebody make a trigger kit, or something) I would be on board. I hate the current trigger! Paying $800 for a trigger I have to fight with is not going to happen for me.

      May 19, 2019 4:31 pm
      • TravisP

        I agree I think they are certainly selling the novelty of the design while ignoring a few necessary refinements.

        May 20, 2019 6:06 am
    • Robbie Robinson

      Great review

      May 19, 2019 4:26 pm
    • Bobsuruncle

      They are the ugliest wheel guns ever made. I've shot one, was not impressed. My buddy sent it back to get fixed twice for locking up before trading it in. I'll stick with my gp100

      May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
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