Guns of PDTV: Chiappa Rhino

This six-shot 357 Magnum revolver is different from ordinary revolvers in that the Rhino fires from the bottom chamber instead of the top. That arrangement results in straight-back recoil, and the namesake rhino-like profile.

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This is a layered image consisting of three photos from finger on the trigger, to full recoil, to follow through illustrating the minimal muzzle rise from the Chiappa Rhino.

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One precaution when shooting the Rhino is that you can't use the popular "high, forward thumbs" grip or you'll roast the tip of your thumb from the cylinder gap blast.

Deep cut-outs on both sides of the frame help guide the trigger finger to the broad, smooth trigger whether shooting right- or left-handed, and you can fire the Rhino either double-action or single-action.

What looks like a hammer is actually a cocking lever. When the gun is cocked, the cocking lever goes back down and a red indicator sticks out from the topstrap. If you want to decock the Rhino, simply point the gun downrange, thumb the cocking lever back, and hold it while you pull the trigger. Then slowly lower the cocking lever.

The Rhino’s slab-sided cylinder trims down the width of the Rhino for easier concealed carry.

At the time of our filming there were no speed loaders readily adaptable to the Rhino but speed strips worked very well and the cylinder flats helped George line up the speed strips for loading two chambers at a time.

Chiappa’s Rhino. It’s a survival tool unique in many ways but one that offers the dependability of a double-action revolver, modern styling improved recoil management and potent chambering.