Rhino vs. SP101

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snakyjake

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For CCW, what are the opinions of the Rhino 200 and Ruger's SP101? Looks don't matter; functionality, accuracy, and doing the job it was designed to do is much more important.

The idea of Rhino's low bore axis in 357 mag sounds ideal. So why isn't it more recommended over the SP101? Or is it Rhino's just not as popular/available?
 
The Rhino is fairly new on the market. I hav'nt even seen one in person yet. The SP101 has been around more than 20 years, and has proven itself reliable.
Besides being new, it is quite a departure from traditional revolver design. The internal mechanism is quite different from anything before it. This is what facilitates the low bore axis. This internal mechanism, some say, is over complicated and will be prone to failure. It may or may not be. If it proves itself reliable, I'm sure it will become a very recommended revolver, but only time will tell.

Oh, I carry an SP101.
 
New is not necessarily bad, I just want to see much more Rhino testing before I form an opinion, even firing one in the future. New is why we are firing what we fire today. Not bad but needs to be experienced.
 
I actually kind of like the way the Rhino looks... My (and most people's) main issue with it is the DA trigger pull. It is terrible. It's not unusable, but far from ideal. I do like it in SA. The flat cylinder does help keep it relatively thin as well.
 
What I've read about the Rhino has been positive but I think it's a fair amount large than an SP101.
 
What I've read about the Rhino has been positive but I think it's a fair amount large than an SP101.
I finally saw a Rhino in an LGS. I was able to compare it to an SP101 and they were almost the same size with a slight edge toward the Rhino. I carry a 2-1/4" SP101 and I have been very interested in picking up a Rhino. Unfortunately the gun was in North Carolina and I am a Virginia resident so it will most likely be gone by the time I can setup a transfer.
 
So why isn't it more recommended over the SP101? Or is it Rhino's just not as popular/available?

Out of all the gun stores I frequent, I have yet to see a Rhino. Only at a recent gun show did I get to see one in person. The looks are not bad at all to me. However, they do seem a bit pricey when the Ruger can do the same job for a lot less money.
 
I saw a photo of the Rhino's inner parts, and perceived it as overly complex for my comfort level. I don't automatically dismiss something just because it has a higher number of parts, but will need to hear credible reports of long-term durability before feeling comfortable.

Moreover, the Rhino would have to be a better fit than the SP101 for me to consider switching, a difficult feat, as the SP101 grip is about as perfect as can be, for me. As for the lower bore axis, an SP101 does not kick upward very much in my hands; recoil is more straight back. I followed a link to a video clip that showed someone shooting both the SP101 and a the Rhino, and I did not see a practical difference in muzzle rise.

Another factor is that I have not yet seen a Rhino, much less handled one.
 
im in minnesota
rhinos dont last long at the lgs here
when they get one for rental ill try it out .im not holding my breath though from what i have heard its a pretty small company.
 
For a carry piece I'd have to say the SP. They're really apples and oranges. The Rhino is an interesting experiment and probably a good collector's piece. But you want to be able to shoot your carry piece constantly to train with it, and that means you'll have to break it down and clean it a lot. The SP is very easy to strip down and clean. Not sure about the Rhino, but it sounds more complex.
 
The SP101 is a proven. The Rhino has no track record. You may have to depend on the gun to save your life. Your decision.
 
The SP101 is a proven. The Rhino has no track record. You may have to depend on the gun to save your life. Your decision.
+1

the SP101 is a rugged and accurate defensive carry revolver, I love my 3" one. I also find the SP101 easy on the eye. The Rhino while cool-looking and innovative is more of a curiosity at this point. I would like the opportunity for a range session with one.
 
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