Chiappa Rhino 5" 357 or Beretta Px4 Storm 45 for carry?

Status
Not open for further replies.
KarateHottie93

KarateHottie93

Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2017
Messages
387
I have a very unique situation so please at least skim over my insanely long wall of text and consider before replying. Thanks.

At 24, I've been a very avid handgun shooter for my entire young adult life. I never seriously considered carrying until lately though, as I always preferred to defend myself through martial arts training.

With that said, I was recently homeless and sleeping in the streets/woods/etc for a brief period and realized during that time that you simply cannot compromise on safety. I also realized that it's very unrealistic to assume the worst case scenario of an attack would be from a single unarmed and untrained adversary.

I take my well being very seriously for obvious reasons and just want something I can feel comfortable with when combined with adequate training and drilling. The answer to my question would seem very simple in most cases but my situation is slightly unique. My left arm/hand is almost fully paralyzed and that presents a few obvious challenges with semi-autos. Racking the slide in a timely manner (if not already chambered for whatever reason), accessing safeties, and reloading are the biggest ones that come to mind. It generally takes me a few seconds longer to swap out the magazine and chamber the first round on a pistol than it does for me to speed load a revolver. I can perform the task fairly easily by holding the gun with my bad arm while using the good one to swap mags out, but as I stated, time is key...along with the fact that no amount of training can truly replicate the emotions and intensity of a real world scenario where your life is on the line. Basically what I'm saying is that I question my physical ability to better protect myself with a semi-auto.

I have shot both of these firearms multiple times via range rentals and absolutely love them. Rounds like 357 and 45 ACP are what I've become most comfortable with as I get that enjoyable recoil...yet it's so easily controlled. I can't really say which I prefer as both will do the job but I guess it's time to stop rambing on now and just ask already...

Should I go with the revolver out of simplicity and reliability (in my situation), or get the feature packed, and equally nice shooting autoloader that helps mitigate my issues to very small levels?

As you can tell, I love both of these firearms. The Chiappa is so light, yet very easy and satisfying to control with 357. The sights provide a great picture, and and the grip really feels great for a one-handed shooter like myself. The 5" barrel is also very balanced and just feels right to me on that gun.

With the Px4, I get a great functioning semi-auto that has a lot of features which really do make a HUGE difference in my experience and confidence in myself with that gun. The reversible mag-release, ambidextrous safety, and drop-free mags really are life changers for me.
 
Personally were I in your situation I would favor the semi auto for a couple of reasons. Size and weight vs rounds carried is a big one in my book. Also, I always want to avoid having to reload if possible, and for you the semi auto simply lets you put more rounds down range before that happens. As far as racking the slide, it can be done efficiently with one hand, though having to clear malfunctions and reload are probably the biggest downsides of the auto if I have to do it one handed. Consider a ring or even a loop of paracord, or something similar on your belt to help you rack the slide! This may depend a little on your sights shape to be more or less effective.

I like my revolvers as much as anything, BUT I do not like being limited to 5 6 or 7 rounds for most situations. The size weight and firepower ratio just is not where I like it to be. They go bang reliably of course, but so do my good autos. HOWEVER a couple points that are strong considerations... Ammo versatility. 38 38+p 357, and anything in between, even black powder if need be. Most importantly of all you are comfortable with this platform NOW. The revolver will eat things a semi auto can only dream of with regard to powder and bullet profile. A little lee classic loader and 38/357 revolver seems like it could be worth a serious look in your situation.

All that said, the revolver may be a better fit for you if you are more comfortable using it now, and depending on if you will be able to practice enough to feel the same way about the semi auto. I have seen revolvers shot and reloaded as fast or faster than me with an auto, so if you are indeed notably better with the wheelgun, then that is a legitimate consideration. So I guess what I am saying is that it will come down to what you are willing/able to do as far as practice!

In case you are open to alternatives, how about a glock 17 (or 21 if you want 45) or similar? Affordable, especially used. Less recoil in the 9mm for one handed shooting, more rounds before a reload (18, or 33 if you want the big mag lol), they go bang as reliably as I can ask, and are very affordable to shoot. I have not shot the chiappa revolver, but personally I would favor something more common and easy to find parts for, maybe a ruger gp100, or SP101. I have used both of those quite a bit and definitely favor them.
 
Revolvers can make good sense for a carry option. They don't require a safety. Almost anything they are feed will go boom. You can check your load easily by sight. And they are for the most part very reliable. These are choices that we can't really make for you. You have to carry what you like, are comfortable shooting, and trust.
 
I own a Chiappa Rhino 60DS (6-inch) and have a holster to carry it in on occasion. I also have and carry numerous automatics. Since you have only rented these guns, a serious look at accessories such as holsters and speedloaders should be in order IMO. Rhino-compatible loaders have been hard enough for me to find that I currently only carry mine in limited areas. Furthermore, the long barrel causes issues with vehicles (sitting in them), holsters and overall weight. The gun itself is fantastic however. I would recommend taking a look at the 4-inch version if for nothing else than portability.

The Px4 offers you more rounds and using the gun one-handed is entirely possible with a bit of practice. As you are clearly already aware, getting a semi auto back in action with just one hand is a bit complicated, so the question I would ask in your position would be whether the extra rounds in the gun would outweigh the longer reload time.

I don't see how reloading a revolver with one hand would be any faster or easier than an automatic, but since I lack experience in that area, I'll defer to yours.

As previously mentioned, in the end only you can make the final determination. To get there you should carefully assess everything you can.
 
If you decide on an auto loader there are alot of tactical style sights out there with ledges on them designed to be used for one hand manipulation. Now if I was in your situation (and dont mean to offend in any sort of way). I would think and autoloader with ambi controls and no safety (either a striker or da/sa with a decocker) would be best. I love my revolvers, but I cant imaging loading one with one hand in a stress situation and even an extra second or two can be life or death in a dire situation. The autoloader you have atleast 10 rounds before you need to worry about reloading. If you went 9mm , you have greater capacity and yet even less chance of requiring a reload. As said before me malfunctions would be more difficult to clear with the autoloader. But buy quality ammo and shoot a few hundred rounds to test reliability and keep your gun clean. Paying a extra for carry ammo is worth the price if your life is staked on it. Thats not saying plink with it.

The link below is just an example of a rear sight with a good hook for one hand manipulation. They only offer the front sight even though the rear is shown for the storm,just wanted to post a link to show what I was talking about. Makes it so you can grab your gun with your shooting hand,catch the sight on your belt and rack the slide. There are different ones out there. Anyways good luck with your decision.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/truglo...4-storm-excluding-compact-green-with-ora.html
 
Last edited:
KarateHottie93 said:
I have a very unique situation so please at least skim over my insanely long wall of text and consider before replying. Thanks.

At 24, I've been a very avid handgun shooter for my entire young adult life. I never seriously considered carrying until lately though, as I always preferred to defend myself through martial arts training.

With that said, I was recently homeless and sleeping in the streets/woods/etc for a brief period and realized during that time that you simply cannot compromise on safety. I also realized that it's very unrealistic to assume the worst case scenario of an attack would be from a single unarmed and untrained adversary.
Click to expand...
I would take whatever money I was planning on spending on a firearm, ammunition, carry gear etc., and spend it on making sure I'm never homeless, and "sleeping in streets/woods/etc", ever again.

If you've just have to have a gun, and are budget minded, I'd not pick a Chiappa, they are expensive and would most likely be somewhat difficult to find holsters for. Likewise, the Beretta PX4, while a fine gun, would be better chosen as a 9mm model as the ammo would be less expensive, and the 9mm model is probably slightly less expensive than the .45 version.

As mentioned above, a Glock would be a good choice, as they are available and common. In the bargain gun category, an S&W SD9VE can probably be found in $300 range, and they are fine guns.

Ultimately, making sure you're not living on the street or in the woods, or making sure you are living in a safe place, and have sufficient funds for housing, food, and clothing, and a financial safety net, would go much further towards your safety and well being than a $1,000 revolver.
 
Typically for someone who has reduced hand strength, I'd recommend a revolver for it's simplicity and the fact that you don't have to cycle a slide. However, your situation sounds a little different with one hand being incapacitated almost entirely. That makes reloading a revolver rather difficult.

If you are concerned about multiple attackers, and I think that's a valid concern, I think a higher capacity sem-iauto might be a good bet just because you will have more rounds in the gun to begin with. Since you are willing to carry a full size gun, having at least 10+1 rounds on tap right away is a benefit. The PX4 design is a good one also, and in my experience, very reliable. However, any gun can jam, and at the wrong time, that could get you in trouble.

I think a PX4 in 45 is a great choice. However, there are a lot of different, highly reliable handguns out there to pick from. CZ, HK, S&W, Ruger, SA, Sig Sauer, and a bunch of others. My preference in plastic guns has shifted heavily towards HK because the three I own have never had a single malfunction after many thousands of rounds. I wouldn't hesitate to carry a Beretta though also if the gun proves itself reliable after testing. On the note of capacity, I'm not telling you to veer away from 45 if that's what you want, as I think it's a great choice, but with modern 9mm ammo being far superior to 9mm's of the past, you might want to consider a full sized one of them. There are models out there that hold 15-18 rounds in one magazine if you top it off with one in the chamber. Those extra rounds may be what you need to fend off an attack. If you are set on the 45 though, I think you are still making a very sound decision.

If you decide on a revolver, I think that is also a fine choice. Most civilian firearm involved defense situations are resolved with less than 3 shots so you'd probably be fine. However, as the boy scouts say, be prepared. If I was going to consider a full sized revolver for carry, it would not be a Rhino, it would be a S&W 686+ with seven rounds of 357 magum in it, or a S&W 627, which holds 8 rounds of 357. If you managed to run it dry in a defensive situation, an all steel revolver is going to be a more effective club, that seems a benefit if you have martial arts skills. However, both these guns are large and heavy, and may be difficult to conceal if you have the need.

I wish you luck. A .45 or a 357 is a good choice, but with your situation, both have different limitations and advantages. Let us know what you buy, and don't forget pictures.
 
Wow, I really appreciate all of the advice. Everyone has brought up very viable points that have got me thinking a bit more. I just want to add real quick that I've got my life pretty stable again to the point where I don't have to worry about becoming suddenly homeless like before; it's just that I can't just afford to go out and buy every firearm I think would be a nice carry :) I do appreciate the concern though.

I'll definitely consider all of the advice given so far, and anymore that I may receive. I felt like I was overthinking things so having a discussion about topics that never ever crossed my mind makes me feel a lot better about that.

I've also been looking into another semi-auto for the past couple of hours that has really intrigued me. It's the MR Eagle series. I'm gonna check around and see if I can find a place to rent one for a few sessions.
 
Don't be afraid of the cz 75 series. The MR baby eagles are based on the cz 75 system,as are many other guns. I just picked up a cz p01 (aluminum frame compact version of the cz75) and really like it. I shoot it almost as well as my gp100. Not to mention the CZ's are cheaper than Sig's and his,but you get a pretty damn good quality gun that's on par with them.
 
Bones741 said:
Don't be afraid of the cz 75 series. The MR baby eagles are based on the cz 75 system,as are many other guns. I just picked up a cz p01 (aluminum frame compact version of the cz75) and really like it. I shoot it almost as well as my gp100. Not to mention the CZ's are cheaper than Sig's and his,but you get a pretty damn good quality gun that's on par with them.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely check them out. I've never had anything against CZ's other than a lack of experience with them...which of course falls me as the issue lol.

You made a very good point about a da/sa with a decocker. It's another thing which never crossed my mind that I'm very interested in now.
 
If I was unable to use one of my hands to quickly clear a malfunction I'd go with a revolver for sure. In fact, I have both hands available and still choose the revolver 9 times out of 10. If concealed carry is a consideration I would personally choose a Kimber K6s or a Ruger LCR 327 over a 5 inch barreled Rhino. Small enough to conceal with ease and an extra round over similar sized revolvers. Best of luck to you.
 
I would choose the revolver too, but not the rhino and definitely not in 357. Have you ever shot one without earplugs? It is very painful, but if you choose an auto than I would suggest you purchase a hand- racker. Check the video link.

 
I very much am intrigued by the Rhino and have almost bought one a couple of times. Then, when I stand back and actually consider why I want one, it is more about how unique it is than whether or not it is a good choice. It is unique in that it fires from the bottom of the cylinder instead of the top. This makes the recoil push almost straight back into the shooter resulting in less muzzle lift. It is a cool idea but..

Frankly, I would not recommend it as a carry weapon. They are quite expensive, both to buy and to accessorize. Also, since the cylinder gap is at the bottom instead of the top, it will burn your fingers good if you like to shoot with your thumbs forward. For me that is a deal killer.

I do think that a revolver would be your best option with your situation but I would handle and shoot a few revolvers before making your choice. Something like a Ruger LCR would be much lighter (although with a shorter barrel). Smith & Wesson has many offerings that would suite you well. Models like the Bodyguard, the 642 or 647 would cost significantly less. Something like a 686 would be closer in price to the Rhino but they are, IMHO, far superior in quality.

In the end, it comes down to what YOU are going to want to carry. All considerations aside, I would purchase the gun that you are most likely to actually want to carry. They don't do you much good sitting in storage at home when you need them.
 
When in doubt............slow your roll . I can`t debate the pro`s/con`s of the 2 you have interest in as neither would be my 2 choices. J s/n.
 
If you do plan on carrying a revolver, then I suggest getting Grant Cunningham's books on revolvers as he demonstrates different reloading techniques that you can use and I believe that he does demonstrate single handed operation of them as well. Depending on where you are, you might be able to find him as a trainer.

One trick to use semi-auto's and do one handed racking is via having taller profile sights that allow you to hook the sights into something like a solid belt, etc. to rack the slide.

One thing to consider, a considerable amount of training techniques on using semi-autos with one hand have been developed for officers who might lose the use of one arm during an encounter which makes it easier to find local training for that purpose than on a revolver.

Regarding Chiappas as a brand, do a search before you buy from them as their reputation is mixed on their quality control. Some like them quality wise and support wise, some don't. Don't know of a similar issue with modern Berettas who are a top tier manufacturer.
 
Schwing said:
I very much am intrigued by the Rhino and have almost bought one a couple of times. Then, when I stand back and actually consider why I want one, it is more about how unique it is than whether or not it is a good choice. It is unique in that it fires from the bottom of the cylinder instead of the top. This makes the recoil push almost straight back into the shooter resulting in less muzzle lift. It is a cool idea but..

Frankly, I would not recommend it as a carry weapon. They are quite expensive, both to buy and to accessorize. Also, since the cylinder gap is at the bottom instead of the top, it will burn your fingers good if you like to shoot with your thumbs forward. For me that is a deal killer.
Click to expand...
Have you ever fired a Rhino? I have shot 550 rounds of full-house .357 as fast as I could through my Rhino - to prove a point - and my fingers were none the worse for wear. Of course if you have really long fingers maybe it's a problem, but I can't grow mine longer!
boom boom said:
Regarding Chiappas as a brand, do a search before you buy from them as their reputation is mixed on their quality control. Some like them quality wise and support wise, some don't. Don't know of a similar issue with modern Berettas who are a top tier manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Most of Chiappa's issues revolve around their rimfire line. I owned one of those and won't own another, but the Rhinos are a different story.
 
If you do a THR search, others have not had such a good experience specifically with the Rhino--https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/buying-a-broken-gun.716718/#post-8930309 https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...pa-rhino-pretty-sure-but-not-positive.664512/ https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/bloviating-about-the-chiappa-rhino.624602/ and so on. Similar threads on TFL and other places such as http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/24/chiappa-rhino-kaboom/
etc. It is a fair statement to say that some report good experiences as you do and others do not.

Glad you have a good experience with yours, but after seeing problems with a 1911-22 and their M-1 Carbine knockoff--not really interested in it. It does no harm to you nor your handgun if the op does their own research and makes up their own mind. A simple google search does indicate some issues. Peace out.
 
You seem to be taking this the wrong way.
Research is great I agree and the OP absolutely should (and in fact is) doing research and asking questions.

You can find problems with any gun from a simple search. Did you also do a search for the number of good stories? How many of the ugly stories ended with a successful resolution?

I suggested the 4-inch Rhino in my initial response to the OP simply because he said he was trying to decide between the Rhino and the Px4. That's not necessarily an endorsement to carry the gun. It works for me in a very limited role as a carry weapon, but it may be far from ideal for anyone else. If other guns get on the OP's radar that opens this up quite a bit more.

Since I didn't come right out and say it before, if I only owned one gun, it would not be a 5-inch revolver. Actually it probably wouldn't be a revolver at all if for no other reason than the limitations it imposes in terms of relative size and capacity.
 
Perhaps a non-safety decocker or no manual safety semi auto? With enough practice to ensure reliability I don't think 7-15 rounds of 9mm in a semi auto without worrying about a two handed reload is insignificant compared to 6 rounds of .357. Carrying a 5" barrel .357 is not realistic these days in my opinion. That's a huge gun for such limited capacity. You will probably tire of any gun that size and even if concealment isn't your major concern your comfort will become one. I consider my Springfield xds to be the equivalent of an 8rd .357 magnum snub nose revolver with hot 9mm ammunition in a flatter, more concealable, and easier to shoot package. It has been very reliable and I love the point-and-shoot aspect of using it. Some day I may switch to my CZ PCR which defaults to revolver like operation with no safety and decocker but holds 15 rounds.
 
Appreciate all the advice. Just figured I'd let you guys know that I made a selection today, and went ahead and put it on layaway with 1/3rd down. I'd imagine it's not really a popular choice; it even goes against most of what I was looking for. I'm happy with it though and can't wait to carry.

It's a Desert Eagle 1911G. I'm a huge fan of of both Magnum Research and Kahr Arms. Plus 45 is my favorite round so I think it was a good call. I know a a lot of people think you're crazy if you get a sub $1K 1911 through anyone but Springfield. I hear a lot of great things about this one though, and it's nice to support a great rising company like Kahr.
 
KarateHottie93 said:
Appreciate all the advice. Just figured I'd let you guys know that I made a selection today, and went ahead and put it on layaway with 1/3rd down. I'd imagine it's not really a popular choice; it even goes against most of what I was looking for. I'm happy with it though and can't wait to carry.

It's a Desert Eagle 1911G. I'm a huge fan of of both Magnum Research and Kahr Arms. Plus 45 is my favorite round so I think it was a good call. I know a a lot of people think you're crazy if you get a sub $1K 1911 through anyone but Springfield. I hear a lot of great things about this one though, and it's nice to support a great rising company like Kahr.
Click to expand...
Nothing wrong with a sub $1k 1911 at all. If it works and you're happy with it that's all that matters. Holsters, mags and gear in general will sure be a lot easier to come by for your 1911 than the other options you were considering. Let us know how it shoots!
 
Something notable in the 1911, at least for me. The slide on mine is very easy to rack compared to say a glock 21. Very good call on the accessory market... I have had a few oddballs that had to go down the road simply because they were a pain to find parts and accessories for.

Have not had a MR 1911, but i did have an all steel baby eagle in 45 ACP. First pistol I bought actually. Shot very well, but it got replaced by a G19 simply due to its size and weight for daily carry.

Practice all you can with the new pistol, especially dry fire and one handed function. Good thing about 45 is that cast bullets can be easily loaded on the cheap with a lee loader or lee hand press with minimal investment.
 
1911's are a known platform with all the strengths and weaknesses thoroughly hashed out. You might consider scheduling a trip to gunsite for their 1911 training someday. I personally find the slide easy to rack on these and soft shooting. Good luck with your new pistol.
 
Sounds like a perfectly reasonable choice to me provided the gun runs well on whatever ammo you choose to carry.

The safety will be easier to manipulate and reach one handed, and you can ride the safety which could also be a real benefit if your support hand is not particularly functional.

Let us know how she shoots when you going her home.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

O
  • Locked
Chiappa Rhino
2 3
Replies
55
Views
8K
Uneasy Rider
U
T
  • Locked
Beretta PX4 Storm
2
Replies
37
Views
8K
archigos
A
S
  • Locked
Pocketable/extreme concealed carry....small 9mm vs. snubnose 357..
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
george29
george29
T
  • Locked
Chiappa Rhino .357 ?
Replies
24
Views
3K
Big7
Big7
2
  • Locked
Beretta Px4 Storm experiences? XDm?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Olympus
Olympus
Back
Top