Chiappa Rhino 30DS

[Old Stumpy]

I didnt say they were awkward to cock, and they arent.

Okay, I simply asked. Question answered.

As far as accuracy goes, I shoot revolvers (and most things) more accurately in DA, than I do in SA. Besides, thats how DA revolvers are meant to be shot. If you want speed and accuracy out of them, its DAO.

You would be in the minority then. The vast majority of people can shoot DA revolvers most accurately in SA mode. That's why they were made with fine SA trigger pulls.
And, accuracy at 10 yards (30 feet) is easy, but 25 yards (75 feet) is another matter.
Plus, I don't think that anyone would buy one of the long-barrelled Rhinos for ten yard shooting.

But, to each his own.

 

[AK103K]

You would be in the minority then. The vast majority of people can shoot DA revolvers most accurately in SA mode. That's why they were made with fine SA trigger pulls.
And, accuracy at 10 yards (30 feet) is easy, but 25 yards (75 feet) is another matter.

The vast majority dont bother to learn.

Id suggest you get out and try DAO at longer distances. Its one of the main reasons I started shooting that way, due to having trouble shooting my, new to me at the time, 4" Model 29 with warmer loads well. At the suggestion of a friend who was a strong DAO revolver and PPC shooter, I gave DAO a try. That was over 40 years ago.

Took a little getting used to, but once I worked at it a little bit, my groups at all distances shrunk, and by a good bit. Hitting the old steel "Hi-C" cans at 50, and even 100 yards on a pretty regular basis, wasnt much of a problem at all.

I havent thumb cocked a DA revolver since, and actually bobbed the hammers and removed the SA notches on a few.

Another benefit to learning to shoot DAO, ALL of your shooting will improve across the board too, not just your revolver shooting.

Seriously, give it a good try. I think youll be amazed at the difference and in just a short time too.

 

[kidneyboy]

Okay, I simply asked. Question answered.



You would be in the minority then. The vast majority of people can shoot DA revolvers most accurately in SA mode. That's why they were made with fine SA trigger pulls.
And, accuracy at 10 yards (30 feet) is easy, but 25 yards (75 feet) is another matter.
Plus, I don't think that anyone would buy one of the long-barrelled Rhinos for ten yard shooting.

But, to each his own.

You're not much of a revolver guy are you....

 

[Old Stumpy]

You're not much of a revolver guy are you....

This seems like a rather myopic and presumptuous statement, don't you think?

Many people prefer to shoot revolvers at 25 yards (and beyond) in the SA mode, and never even bother with the DA mode at all. That's why Ruger Blackhawks, Redhawks, and S&W Model 29 revolvers are so popular in barrel lengths of 5 1/2" or greater.
Many people hunt with large revolvers.
And, not everyone cares only about combat shooting at 30 feet.

As for myself, right now I own revolvers exclusively. I prefer them.
I own a couple of Blackhawks, a Pietta 1858 Remington, and a New Bearcat right now. In the past 5 years I have owned a Single Six, a Super Blackhawk Stainless, a Ruger New Vaquero, and another Blackhawk in .45Colt.
I owned A Ruger 50th Anniversary flat top .44 magnum and a color case hardened New Vaquero in .45 Colt around 2007.

In fact, since I am now at retirement age, I have owned numerous revolvers since 1972.
A Colt New Service, and Webley Mark IV .455, and a Euroarms Remington Black powder revolver way back when.
My first Ruger Super Blackhawk around 1974.
An S&W Model 27 and a Model 60 snubby a bit later.
A couple of blued Blackhawks in .45 Colt in 4 5/8" and 7 1/2" and a 7 1/2" Colt SAA in the 80s.
And others I can't even recall.

So, yeah considering that I have been buying and selling and shooting revolvers for the past 47 years, and have always owned mostly revolvers, I would say that I am "pretty much of a revolver guy".

 

[AK103K]

I think what he was getting at is, you seem sort of limited or narrow in your thinking when it comes to shooting them. The feeling I get from what youve been saying and hinting at, its mostly SA type shooting too. Which is fine, we all do what we like.

Ive got a bunch of revolvers too, most of them S&W's, with a couple of oddballs (the Rhino was one) and Ruger SA's in there, but predominantly DA S&W's. Never been a fan of "long barreled" handguns, and never really saw the point to them. Might as well get a rifle.

2" to 4" is the sweet spot for me, but I do have a couple of 5"ers in there as well. Those are all British, Enfields and S&W's in 38/200.

Ive also hunted with those same "short-barreled" handguns too, from point-blank out to 100 yards, and once I figured out I could do it better DAO, thats how Ive shot ever since. Hunting or otherwise.

One other thing too, all my guns have stock triggers in them. I think thats also another advantage of learning to shoot DAO, you arent a trigger phobic shooter.

As I said earlier, I understand many people prefer to shoot SA (and only seem to be able to shoot that way), and I do believe its because they never bothered or even tried to shoot DA/DAO. Lets face it, its pretty much becoming one of the lost arts in some respects.

Thats too bad too, because if you havent bothered to learn to shoot that way, youre really missing out on an important part of learning to shoot well, across the board, as its something that really does cross all the different platforms that use a trigger to let the round go.

But, to understand that and see its advantages, you do need to learn to shoot that way first.

 

[Old Stumpy]

I think what he was getting at is, you seem sort of limited or narrow in your thinking when it comes to shooting them. The feeling I get from what youve been saying and hinting at, its mostly SA type shooting too. Which is fine, we all do what we like.

Ive got a bunch of revolvers too, most of them S&W's, with a couple of oddballs (the Rhino was one) and Ruger SA's in there, but predominantly DA S&W's. Never been a fan of "long barreled" handguns, and never really saw the point to them. Might as well get a rifle.

2" to 4" is the sweet spot for me, but I do have a couple of 5"ers in there as well. Those are all British, Enfields and S&W's in 38/200.

Ive also hunted with those same "short-barreled" handguns too, from point-blank out to 100 yards, and once I figured out I could do it better DAO, thats how Ive shot ever since. Hunting or otherwise.

One other thing too, all my guns have stock triggers in them. I think thats also another advantage of learning to shoot DAO, you arent a trigger phobic shooter.

As I said earlier, I understand many people prefer to shoot SA (and only seem to be able to shoot that way), and I do believe its because they never bothered or even tried to shoot DA/DAO. Lets face it, its pretty much becoming one of the lost arts in some respects.

Thats too bad too, because if you havent bothered to learn to shoot that way, youre really missing out on an important part of learning to shoot well, across the board, as its something that really does cross all the different platforms that use a trigger to let the round go.

But, to understand that and see its advantages, you do need to learn to shoot that way first.

Key to shooting accurately is a crisp and reasonably light trigger. If you are not engaged in combat or defensive shooting, then using a DA trigger pull to shoot accurately at a longer distance seems pointless.
But, if you can actually shoot better at longer ranges double action then you are one of a select few.

But we seem to be drifting away from specifically discussing the Rhino again.

 

[Johnm1]

I really like mine. A 4" White Rhino. I wouldn't own it if it weren't a gift. Too expensive for my pay grade. I had a 4" Security Six and did a direct comparison and the difference in recoil with full house 357's was significant. And I find I shoot it double action well. It has taken a javelina at 25 yards. I am concerned about long term reliability but they have been on the market for a while and the only problem I have heard about was the above mentioned recoil shield. Assuming that is the same issue I read about here or on the Firing Line a while ago. I won't go into the lockwork on this revolver. I'm ok going into a Ruger or a Smith. I won't go into an older Colt though.

It certainly is a niche item. I get the ugly but it fits my personality and I find it comfortable to shoot. It is my hunting sidearm.

 

[kidneyboy]

In spite of Mr.old stumpy's misgivings this may be softest shooting revolver I've used in the 56 years or so that I've been shooting revolvers. I'm particularly impressed with how it handles shooting weak hand.

 

[Trashyshoots]

I really want one but they dont make the snub version in a 9mm. They make it in a 40, but not 9mm. And I would have to make sure it uses the correct sized barrel. Im paranoid about manufacturers just slapping on a 357 barrel and calling it good enough

 

[AK103K]

Key to shooting accurately is a crisp and reasonably light trigger. If you are not engaged in combat or defensive shooting, then using a DA trigger pull to shoot accurately at a longer distance seems pointless.
But, if you can actually shoot better at longer ranges double action then you are one of a select few.

But we seem to be drifting away from specifically discussing the Rhino again.

Its not.

The main reason you often hear what youre saying is, is that the shooter doesnt know how to shoot anything but a light, tuned trigger, from SA. Which is actually a handicap if you think about it.

The sights direct the bullet. The trigger simply lets it go. Focus should be on the sights, and/or target, depending on how youre shooting.

You can have the best trigger in the world, but if its your main focus, and youre worrying about it and what its doing, youre main focus, isnt on your sights, and where the bullet is going. Focus should be on the sights and/or target.

"Pointless" is often perspective.

I would still highly suggest you do both here too, get a hold of a Rhino, and learn to shoot it. They are interesting guns. Different, but interesting, and accurate.....

and learn to shoot DAO, which will benefit all of your shooting.

The Rhinos do make fast, accurate shooting a bit easier, and its most noticeable on fast, repeat shots, especially when youre used to guns like the S&W revolvers (SA's arent in the game here), as you dont get the typical muzzle rise. The sights are right back on target very quickly. So, even in slow fire, youre back on target fast, and can make another shot quickly, if needed.

Shooting singly is just as easy, but you do have to stop, break your grip and concentration to cock the gun each time, require the target and get settled in, and then make the shot.

Or, you can just present the gun, put the sights or gun on target, and just shoot, and shoot, and shoot, as you feel necessary, and at any cadence, you feel is appropriate.

And that might be at 3 feet, or 100 yards.

 

[9mmepiphany]

But, if you can actually shoot better at longer ranges double action then you are one of a select few.

Not that select a few. When I was competing in PPC almost all the top shooters were shooting DAO for both the 25 yard and 50 yard strings of fire. Granted the 50 yard string had generous times for the 24 rounds...I seem to remember it was over 2 mins...but you had to shoot from four different positions ranging from prone to standing. In the years I competed, only one top tier shooter cocked his revolver during the 50 yard string...everyone shot DAO at 25 yards.

I started out shooting SA at the 50 yard distances, but changed over to DAO when I found it gave better accuracy...it isn't like PPC is a speed contest. With my competition revolvers, I zero at 20 yards in DA and have don't have any hesitation engaging steel at 100 yards

Key to shooting accurately is a crisp and reasonably light trigger.

That was a popular belief back in the 60s, but it has been proven false over the years. It is simply a matter of managing the trigger press correctly. The need for a crisp trigger is completely over blown, with a smooth let off being found to be more important.

A light trigger makes it easier to cheat on trigger management, but it doesn't have a very high performance ceiling

 

[kidneyboy]

The role of this particular gun is SD/HD. For me that means I need to be able to shoot it accurately with either hand at SD distances (less than 10 yds). So the ergonomics and the DA trigger need to work well with both right and left hand, and with self defense ammo. At this point, a little over 100 rounds in, I'm pretty impressed.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Have you found speedloaders that fit it. I'd heard that you could use L-frame speedloaders, but haven't been able to confirm

 

[Havok7416]

Have you found speedloaders that fit it. I'd heard that you could use L-frame speedloaders, but haven't been able to confirm

There are actually a few purpose-built speedloaders out now. I have some made for the Python/King Cobra (all I have available) and they kinda work but the frame of the gun seems to get in the way. I remember seeing the speedloaders somewhere. I'll have to do some searching.

ETA: https://www.5starfirearms.com/Chiappa-Rhino-Speed-Loader-p/cf35706000.htm

https://www.speedbeez.com/product/speed-beez-chiappa-rhino-speed-loader-6-shot-38-357/

Also Safariland J-R4C Comp II speedloaders are reported to fit and are cheap ($12-16 each). I have actually just ordered some to test.

 

[kidneyboy]

Have you found speedloaders that fit it. I'd heard that you could use L-frame speedloaders, but haven't been able to confirm

I like to use moon clips. One of the things that made the Rhino interesting is it's cut for moonclips and comes with a few. However I do have experience with the 5starfirearms speedloaders and they are very good.

 

[Havok7416]

That's interesting. Mine didn't come with moonclips. Something to look into I guess.

 

[AK103K]

Mine came with a handful of moon clips, but I found the longer 357 SWC's to not be as quick and easy to get into the gun as the stubby 45acp moon clips Im accustomed too.

The clips would go in fairly smooth, but they had to be "just right", there wasnt much room for error. Not sure if that was a clip issue or not. My 45 clips can be picky depending on the gun. Some will go right in, others almost, with a push, and others, not at all.

I really didnt mess with the clips with the Rhino too much though. Just did the old "three drop", twice.

With most of my revolvers, I use the Safariland type speed loaders and prefer them. Then again, Im used to them. Those 45acp moon clips are sweet, and quick though (with the right bullets).

 

[farm23]

The Rhino 30ds is unique and may be my first 38/357 revolver. I know there is little chance but a 44 or 45 would be at the top of my list.

 

[Havok7416]

I called up Chiappa today and found out that my early-run Rhino (.357) was built before they started offering a version that accepts moonclips. They further said that my gun cannot be retrofitted. Oh well I guess.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I had a 50DS in .357 magnum. Loved the trigger, it had awesome accuracy and the muzzle flip was next to nothing. It smacked straight back into your hand a little due to the design, but I didn't really have a problem with that. The barrel nut came loose and when I sent it in all they did was throw some blue loctite on it and torque it back down. I think they should stake it, but I guess it's good enough.

I really liked a lot about it until I saw how these revolvers grenaded if a round explodes ("kaboom") in the cylinder. Due to the barrel being at the bottom, all of the force goes down into the shooters finger and hand instead of up like a traditional revolver. This means the blast will go down into the aluminum frame, lock work and handle and turn it into a frag event. Every Rhino revolver picture I've seen that grenaded looks the same. I promptly sold it due to liking my fingers too much. It's a shame since it was something different than the norm, but there's a reason no other company puts the barrel at the bottom of their revolvers.

 

[kidneyboy]

I had a 50DS in .357 magnum. Loved the trigger, it had awesome accuracy and the muzzle flip was next to nothing. It smacked straight back into your hand a little due to the design, but I didn't really have a problem with that. The barrel nut came loose and when I sent it in all they did was throw some blue loctite on it and torque it back down. I think they should stake it, but I guess it's good enough.

I really liked a lot about it until I saw how these revolvers grenaded if a round explode in the cylinder. Due to the barrel being at the bottom, all of the force goes down into the shooters finger instead of up like a traditional revolver. This means the blast will go down into the aluminum frame, lock work and handle and turn it into a frag event. Every Rhino revolver picture I've seen that grenaded looks the same. I promptly sold it due to liking my fingers too much. It's a shame since it was something different than the norm, but there's a reason no other company puts the barrel at the bottom of their revolvers.

I found 1 four or 5 year old pic and a 3rd or 4th hand account about a kaboom in my pre-purchase research. The High Road and a couple other forums had threads about the same story. This added up to one story and lots of commentary and conclusion jumping. Kinda like the S&W lock story. Not enough evidence to keep me from buying.

 

[Pat Riot]

I really liked a lot about it until I saw how these revolvers grenaded if a round explodes ("kaboom") in the cylinder.

If everyone worried about what could happen regarding gun failures no one would be shooting. No gun is immune from mistakes, stupidity or over confidence.
I wouldn’t write off an entire gun line because of someone’s gun blowing up. Usually this occurs because the shooter messed up.

Id really like to try one of these out someday, love the Bladerunner styling!

The first time I saw one of these I thought of “Blade Runner”.



I would love to shoot one of these Rhinos. The price dissuades needs from just buying it and trying it. The 2 ranges near me that rent guns don’t carry them for rent.

I guess I like Ugly Guns, or at least the looks of ugly guns.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I found 1 four or 5 year old pic and a 3rd or 4th hand account about a kaboom in my pre-purchase research. The High Road and a couple other forums had threads about the same story. This added up to one story and lots of commentary and conclusion jumping. Kinda like the S&W lock story. Not enough evidence to keep me from buying.

The thing is look at every normal revolver kaboom. It goes up and out to the sides. There's not as many Rhinos in the wild as normal configured revolvers like S&Ws, Rugers, Taurus, etc. The only Rhino kabooms that have been reported on the internet caused severe damage to the hand and grenaded the gun.The blast WILL go downward with this design.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

If everyone worried about what could happen regarding gun failures no one would be shooting. No gun is immune from mistakes, stupidity or over confidence.
I wouldn’t write off an entire gun line because of someone’s gun blowing up. Usually this occurs because the shooter messed up.

This isn't about stupidity or overconfidence, this is about something that can happen with any ammo, including factory loaded ammo. IF and I mean IF there is a kaboom in a Rhino the blast WILL go down into the shooters hand. It's no different than the blast WILL go up in a conventional revolver.

 

[Pat Riot]

This isn't about stupidity or overconfidence, this is about something that can happen with any ammo, including factory loaded ammo. IF and I mean IF there is a kaboom in a Rhino the blast WILL go down into the shooters hand. It's no different than the blast WILL go up in a conventional revolver.

Ah, okay, I understand now. Apologies. I misunderstood what you were getting at.