Chiappa Rhino
A low-bore-axis revolver firing from the bottom cylinder chamber.
The Chiappa Rhino is a series of revolvers produced by Italian manufacturer Chiappa Firearms. Their most distinctive feature is that the barrel is on a much lower bore axis, as the Rhino fires from the lowermost chamber of the cylinder rather than from the topmost chamber as in conventional revolvers. This design is intended to reduce muzzle flip by aligning the recoil more into the shooter's wrist.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Italy
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Emilio Ghisoni & Antonio Cudazzo
- Design Date
- 2008
- Manufacturer
- Chiappa Firearms
- Unit Cost
- $775–1652 MSRP (depending on version)
- Production Date
- 2010–present
- Weight
- 20D/20DS: 700 g (24.7 oz) / 30DS: 771 g (27.2 oz) / 40DS: 850 g (30 oz) / 50DS: 895 g (31.6 oz) / 60DS/60DS Charging Rhino: 936 g (33 oz) / 120DS: 1155 g (40.7 oz)
- Length
- 20D/20DS: 164 mm (6.5 in) / 30DS: 190 mm (7.5 in) / 40DS: 215 mm (8.5 in) / 50DS: 241 mm (9.5 in) / 60DS/60DS Charging Rhino: 267 mm (10.5 in) / 120DS: 622 mm (24.5 in)
- Part Length
- 20D/20DS: 51 mm (2.0 in) / 30DS: 76 mm (3.0 in) / 40DS: 102 mm (4.0 in) / 50DS: 127 mm (5.0 in) / 60DS/60DS Charging Rhino: 152 mm (6.0 in) / 120DS: 304 mm (12.0 in)
- Cartridge
- .357 Magnum/.38 Special / 9×19mm Parabellum / .40 S&W / 9×21mm
- Action
- DA/SA, DAO or SAO revolver
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Designed by Emilio Ghisoni and Antonio Cudazzo, the Rhino was Ghisoni's last design before his death in 2008. Stylistically it resembles Ghisoni's earlier design, the Mateba Autorevolver. The frame is CNC-machined from a solid block of high-tensile aluminium alloy (Ergal), and virtually all components are CNC-machined from steel, yielding a very precise fit with minimal tolerances. The external cocking lever is not a hammer but a linkage handle used to cock an internal hammer, immediately falling back into place after cocking, minimizing externally moving parts and reciprocating mass. The cross-section of its cylinder is hexagonal (with rounded corners) instead of circular, intended to narrow the weapon's profile in concealed carry applications. A downside of the low-bore-axis design is increased vertical distance between the sight line and the bore axis, causing greater parallax error when aiming at close range. The Rhino is available in anodized finishes resembling traditional bluing, a version resembling electroless nickel finish called the 'White Rhino', and a gold-colored version displayed at the 2014 SHOT Show. Most models include an accessory rail for mounting tactical lights and laser sights, except the 2-inch and 3-inch models.
Reader's Guide
The Chiappa Rhino represents a significant departure from traditional revolver design, primarily through its low bore axis achieved by firing from the lowermost cylinder chamber. This innovation, intended to reduce muzzle flip, aligns recoil more directly into the shooter's wrist rather than above it. The design was the final work of Emilio Ghisoni, who previously created the Mateba Autorevolver, and it continues that lineage of unconventional revolver mechanics. The use of CNC-machined aluminium alloy for the frame and steel for internal parts allows for precise manufacturing with minimal tolerances. The Rhino's hexagonal cylinder profile and the external cocking lever that is not a true hammer further distinguish it from conventional revolvers. The availability of multiple barrel lengths, calibers, and finishes—including a polymer-framed Polylite variant—has allowed the Rhino to serve various roles from concealed carry to target shooting. Its accessory rail (on most models) and the double-action/single-action trigger system (except the double-action-only 20D) add versatility. The 12-inch 120DS model, produced with a 'coat hanger' counterweight to comply with UK firearms law, illustrates the design's adaptability to different regulatory environments.
Did You Know?
- The Rhino fires from the lowermost chamber of the cylinder, not the topmost as in conventional revolvers.
- Its cylinder has a hexagonal cross-section with rounded corners to narrow the weapon's profile for concealed carry.
- The external cocking lever is not a hammer but a linkage that cocks an internal hammer and then falls back into place.
- A 12-inch barrel model (120DS) includes a 'coat hanger' counterweight to meet UK minimum length requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Chiappa Rhino different from a standard revolver?
The Rhino fires from the bottom chamber of its cylinder rather than the top one, dropping the bore axis well below the grip. This alignment channels recoil more directly into the shooter's wrist, which noticeably tames muzzle flip.
Who designed the Chiappa Rhino?
The revolver was designed by Emilio Ghisoni and Antonio Cudazzo for the Italian manufacturer Chiappa Firearms.
What calibers can the Chiappa Rhino chamber?
It is offered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and 9×21mm.
What is the Chiappa Rhino frame made of?
The standard model uses a CNC-machined high-tensile aluminium alloy known as Ergal, while a lighter polymer-framed variant called the Polylite is also available.
What barrel lengths does the Chiappa Rhino come in?
Options span from a compact 2-inch barrel up to a 12-inch barrel, with 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch variants in between.
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