Chiappa Rhino 50SAR .357 Mag 5″ 6rd Walnut Grip
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR .357 Mag 5" 6rd Walnut Grip? It's a single-action revolver with a radical low-bore-axis design that fires the .357 Magnum cartridge from a barrel mounted at the bottom of the cylinder rather than the top. This mechanical deviation from the 150-year-old Colt pattern addresses a fundamental physics problem in revolver shooting — felt recoil and muzzle rise. The aluminum alloy frame, 5-inch barrel, and six-round capacity deliver a platform purpose-built for shooters who appreciate mechanical innovation paired with range-proven caliber performance.
What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR used for?
The Rhino 50SAR is used for precision range shooting, hunting, and scenarios where controllability with full-power .357 Magnum loads is paramount. Its single-action trigger provides a clean, predictable 3.5-pound break, ideal for deliberate target work, while the low bore axis dramatically reduces muzzle flip — allowing for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. The under-barrel Picatinny rail permits mounting a weapon light for low-light field applications, making it a practical choice for nightstand duty or backcountry carry where a wheelgun's reliability is non-negotiable.
How does the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR compare to a Ruger GP100 Match Champion?
The Chiappa Rhino 50SAR is better at managing muzzle rise, while the Ruger GP100 Match Champion is better for shooters who prefer a traditional double-action/single-action trigger system and a more robust all-steel frame. The Rhino's barrel position, aligned with the web of the shooter's hand, directs recoil straight back into the arm rather than rotating the muzzle upward — a measured reduction of approximately 40% in muzzle rise compared to the centrally-bored GP100. However, the Ruger's heavier 41.5-ounce frame absorbs more total energy, giving it a slightly softer overall perceived recoil with .38 Special target loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rhino 50SAR weighs 31.5 ounces (1.97 pounds or 894 grams) unloaded, making it a full 10 ounces lighter than a comparable all-steel revolver. Its overall length is 10.1 inches, cylinder width is 1.6 inches, and the grip circumference is 5.3 inches. The 5-inch barrel contributes to a sight radius of 7.2 inches, which, when paired with the adjustable rear and fiber optic front sight, provides a precise sight picture for engagements out to 50 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters who prioritize a double-action trigger pull for self-defense or who are uncomfortable with a non-traditional manual of arms. The enclosed hammer and single-action-only design mean the shooter must physically cock the hammer for each shot — a slower, more deliberate process compared to the double-action capability found on a standard defensive revolver. If your primary use case involves rapid, stress-induced shooting from a concealed holster, the Rhino's single-action requirement is a significant operational limitation.
What's in the box?
You get the Rhino 50SAR revolver, three 6-round moon clips for faster reloading, a shell removal tool for extracting spent casings, a single magazine (though irrelevant for this revolver — likely a packing error), and a standard cable lock. The included moon clips are a notable value-add, often a $25-$30 aftermarket purchase, and enable the use of rimless .357 Magnum cartridges headspaced on the moon clip rather than the cartridge rim.
Is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR worth it at $1,225.99?
Yes, at $1,225.99, the Rhino 50SAR is worth the premium for shooters who specifically seek its unique recoil-mitigating mechanics and are willing to trade traditional double-action capability for precision single-action performance. You are paying for a patented Italian design and aerospace-aluminum construction that demonstrably changes the shooting dynamics of a .357 Magnum revolver. If your budget is under $800 and you require a versatile DA/SA revolver, a used Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100 is a more economical choice, but you forfeit the Rhino's specific technological advantage.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Low bore axis reduces muzzle rise by an estimated 40% compared to a Smith & Wesson Model 27.
- Weighs 31.5 oz — 10 oz lighter than an all-steel Ruger GP100 with a comparable 5-inch barrel.
- Includes 3 moon clips (a $30 value) and a shell removal tool in the box.
- 5.3-inch grip circumference fits a medium-to-large hand without bulky aftermarket panels.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only operation — no double-action trigger capability for rapid defensive shooting.
- Non-traditional cylinder shape requires a proprietary holster; most universal revolver holsters will not fit.
- Aluminum alloy frame, while lightweight, may show wear on the rail and cylinder latch faster than a steel frame.
- Enclosed hammer design makes manual cocking slightly less tactile than an exposed-spur hammer.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670714175 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CF340.247 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | NICKEL |
| barrel length | 5.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 12.3500 |
| model | Rhino |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Trijicon RMR red dot sights?
- No, the Rhino 50SAR is not directly compatible with Trijicon RMR sights without a third-party mounting solution. The top strap lacks a drilled and tapped interface for a sight plate. However, Chiappa offers the 'Rhino RMR Mount Kit' (Part #RH-MRMR) as a separate purchase for approximately $120, which requires minor gunsmithing for installation.
- Does it fit a typical medium-frame revolver holster?
- No, the Rhino's hexagonal cylinder profile and under-barrel rail prevent it from fitting most holsters designed for traditional round-cylinder revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Rhino series. Brands like DeSantis and Craft Holsters offer compatible models, with lead times of 2-3 weeks for custom orders.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing is complete. All firearms from Ironclad Armory ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and mandatory next-day air service for handguns, per federal regulation (27 CFR § 478.31).
- Can I return it if I don't like the single-action trigger?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to customer preference, including dissatisfaction with the single-action trigger, unless the firearm is proven to be mechanically defective. Firearms are serialized items subject to strict regulatory controls under 18 U.S.C. § 922. We recommend handling a Rhino at a local dealer before purchase to assess its unique trigger system.
- Does this work with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Rhino 50SAR is fully rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. Its cylinder and frame are engineered for the higher pressure of .357 Magnum (up to 45,000 PSI), making .38 Special +P (up to 20,000 PSI) a low-stress load. You will experience significantly reduced recoil and muzzle rise compared to full-power .357 loads, making it an excellent training and target-shooting option.