Problem with Chiappa Rhino: pretty sure, but not positive

[john8255]

Hello,
I picked up my first revolver about 9 months ago--a Rhino 40DS (4", chrome/silver/nickel finish).

I ran into what i think is a problem recently, but am not 100% sure...

I am able to rotate the cylinder counter-clockwise with little to no effort, whether the pistol is in double action or single action (after the hammer has been cocked). I don't know how other revolver cylinders rotate, but the Rhino "normally" advances clockwise.

I sent it back to Chiappa a few weeks ago for this (and a separate trigger problem), and it was returned to me today.

While the trigger problem was resolved, I can still rotate the cylinder counter-clockwise with my free hand.

This is a definite problem, right?

(I have tried to engage the firing pin while the cylinder and barrel weren't aligned exactly, and haven't been able to "force" engagement...........yet.)

Just looking for some reassurance that what i am asking Chiappa to fix is, in fact, a flaw/problem/defect.

While everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, i am looking for info pertaining to this problem specifically...not Chiappa's quality in general.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this, and for the incredible information you have posted throughout these forums that i have read over the past several months,
John

 

[rcmodel]

I have no experiance with a Chiappa Rhino.
I just hate being the beta tester for new gun designs!

But I can assure you no modern revolver in good repair from any other company would allow you to rotate the cylinder backwards by hand.

rc

 

[bikemutt]

I had the same problem with a brand new Taurus, they urged me not shoot it, came and picked it up the same day FedEx. I wouldn't shoot it myself.

 

[dusty14u]

I have a 200DS and the cylinder will not rotate by hand at any time when the cylinder is closed. You definitly have a problem. Mine has been great since I bought it and I like it quite a bit.

Let us know how the customer service responds.

 

[john8255]

Chiappa emailed return UPS label today.

I will update when possible.

Thanks for your help,
John

 

[Remllez]

John,

Other than your problems, do you like your Chiappa? How's the trigger? Do they really shoot as soft as everyone says?

 

[bikemutt]

Remllez, I did shoot one, .357, it had remarkably low recoil considering its light weight.
The grip did not feel natural so the low felt recoil was welcome. It was a rental gun with light strike issues, really wanted to like it, waiting for version 2.0.

 

[Remllez]

Thanks Bikemutt,

I've heard and read mixed reviews on version 1.0, I haven't seen one for rent yet but must admit I'm interested in the concept. I remember the Mateba's but couldnt justify the price at the time.

I think I'll join you in the version 2.0 boat for a while. I do appreciate those that do buy early release guns and provide feedback, although I would rather the companies work the bugs out before they let em outta the factory.

I'm not sure what the street price will be in a year or so but I'm hoping it will come down a little by then.

John8255... I hope they get you fixed up and running right in the near future and wouldn't mind you updating your progress as it happens.

 

[Rodentman]

Rhino issues....

I have a 4" blued Rhino which I bought BNIB. Out of the box it had horribly off-center and light primer strikes with misfires.





The GS sent it back and it came back after some unidentified work. It was no better. They sent it back again and they replaced the hand. Now it works fine, but I still get the feeling that it's a little "loose" in the tolerance department.

Also, the DA pull is reasonable but cocking the hammer SA takes a strong thumb.

It is fun to shoot with very modest recoil. I have a hunch, only a hunch, that it couldn't take a lot of hot .357's. I have no real reason to feel that, but it just doesn't have the heft and solid feel of a Ruger.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[skeeziks]

WOW! I didn't think anyone would actually buy one of those....

 

[wally]

I sent it back to Chiappa a few weeks ago for this (and a separate trigger problem), and it was returned to me today.

My experience with the Chiappa 1911-22 and their "warranty" service makes me lose all interest in anything they sell, and I'm a sucker for oddball gun designs.

 

[Randomcow]

I've had my 60ds for about 9 months now. It's been out of my hands for about 1 and a half months back at Chiappa for repairs. Even now that I have it back supposedly fixed, every now and then I can't set it into SA mode.

My first issue happened when the trigger just stopper responding in both DA and SA mode. I sent it back for repairs and when it was returned about 5 out of 6 shots were failure to fire because it was striking to lightly. I sent it back again, they fixed it, seems to function more or less properly now, no issues at all in DA, sometimes it won't engage SA mode properly.

Just recently my sight screw popped off and I noticed the screw had stripped all the threads on the gun itself. Instead of sending it back I went ahead and just drilled it out and popped in a helicoil, seems to work just fine.

I don't have any faith in the guns reliability, but to Chiappas merit, I paid for shipping once, and nothing else for any of the repairs. The gun is a blast to shoot as well, which is the reason I don't go ahead and try to sell it. I wouldn't bank my life on it in any sort of situation, but I doubt anyone would buy it for that reason anyways.

 

[rspeters]

Yeah, I like the concept of these, but probably wouldn't buy a Chiappa. If Ruger or other big names start producing something like this, then I might be a buyer someday.

 

[MisterNoisy]

Sorry you're having a problem with your Rhino. My 60DS has been a hoot to shoot - hopefully Chiappa manages to get yours sorted out and running right.

 

[bannockburn]

I like the design dynamics of the Chiappa revolvers; just don't think they have the manufacturing process sorted out yet. Will continue to monitor customer feedback and maybe wait and in regards to a "new and improved" model in the near future.