Why do people absolutely hate the Chiappa Rhino?

Why does "everybody" seeking an opinion on something they are in favor of accuse "everyone" else of hate? Seems to be a trend. In almost every case (note the non-exclusivity there) the opinions are mixed. I see this one of post about weekly.
Or, is it a trolling technique? Always gets spirited responses.

I like the concept, and ugly is in the eye of the beholder - I seriously considered getting one a few years back.

What stopped me were stories of durability problems, specifically with the steel reinforcement plate that is insert into the alloy frame. (Figure #1, part #23 in the patent: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/15/ef/5a/2bcb4954d3a2e9/US7523578.pdf )

I didn't spend a lot of time digging to see if it was only in early models, or just with heavy loads, or how pervasive it actually was, or whether it was ever addressed. Just digging through the patent was sufficient to steer me elsewhere.

PapaG said:

Why does "everybody" seeking an opinion on something they are in favor of accuse "everyone" else of hate? Seems to be a trend. In almost every case (note the non-exclusivity there) the opinions are mixed. I see this one of post about weekly.
Or, is it a trolling technique? Always gets spirited responses.

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That and the accusation that anyone who doesn't like it is a stick in the mud resistant to change or closed-minded and averse anything new & different. I resent that because it isn't true.

I would take a Rhino 40DS (40S&W) 4-inch over a Python. I like the looks and the fact that they make it in 9mm and 40S&W is a plus in my book.

mcb said:

I would take a Rhino 40DS (40S&W) 4-inch over a Python. I like the looks and the fact that they make it in 9mm and 40S&W is a plus in my book.

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I didn’t know they made it in 40 S&W, got interested until I hopped on their website and saw the MSRP. I wouldn’t mind having one but for the price I’d rather buy something else.

sabbfan said:

I didn’t know they made it in 40 S&W, got interested until I hopped on their website and saw the MSRP. I wouldn’t mind having one but for the price I’d rather buy something else.

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As with most MSPR the street prices are usually a fair percentage less. But I agree they are a little pricy, you can have a nice S&W for similar money. You have to really like the low barrel config to spend the money.

It’s a weird looking gun with some weird controls and feels weird when you shoot it.

it has a safety up where the hammer should be. The grip angle just feels wrong to me. And the straight back recoil didn’t impress me. But, my son-in-law likes it! Different strokes for different folks.

My experience with the Rhino was remarkable; exceptionally accurate and exceptionally easy to shoot quickly. I absolutely loved it.

My only reason for not owning one is because I struggle to pay that much money and put any trust into something made by Chiappa.

The Rhino doesnt have a safety. Its a DA revolver. The hammer is internal, the "hammer" you see, simply cocks the gun for SA shooting.

CraigC--- If you substitute Rhino for Super Redhawk everything you say about the Super Redhawk would be true also for the Rhino, except saying there is no hope for the Rhino.
As you say "It's beauty is in what it does."

i would give long odds that most haters have never been touchers - let alone shooters.

crstrode said:

i would give long odds that most haters have never been touchers - let alone shooters.

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Yea, you see that a lot, and its not just with the Rhinos.

Aesthetics matter.

Speedo66 said:

Aesthetics matter.

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LOL. Explain that to Glock.

trackskippy said:

LOL. Explain that to Glock.

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We didn't transition to Glocks for their looks.

I don't know enough about Chiappa's to comment on their reliability, but Glocks do work. A Glock might not have been my first choice re: aesthetics, but they didn't ask me. lol

I can only go by the Chiappa I had, but it worked and shot fine while I had it. I shot it quite a bit too.

Same experience with my Glocks.

Function over fashion.

No places around here rent any pistols.

nofendertom said:

CraigC--- If you substitute Rhino for Super Redhawk everything you say about the Super Redhawk would be true also for the Rhino, except saying there is no hope for the Rhino.
As you say "It's beauty is in what it does."

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Did you actually read what I wrote?

I feel the general concept has merit. Not a big fan of the "style" of the gun.

The complexity both worries me from a reliability standpoint and bothers me from the additional cost standpoint. Since I will never shoot in a competition where the reduced muzzle rise is significant, what would I be getting for the extra cost (around 1.5 to 2 times what I would otherwise pay).

If I saw a good condition used 4" or a 6" chambered in 357 for under $600 (the price of a GP-100 before Covid) I would be very tempted.

I think its not only a great shooter, but also attractive. I enjoy squares more than circles. I like my super redhawk more than my redhawk for example.

There's a guy around here who uses a Chiappa Rhino in IDPA Revolver division. He is very fast and very accurate with it. I'd like to try shooting one but I'm not in the market for another wheelgun right now.

CraigC---I have read your post, and I stand by my statement.