Rizzini Rhino Express 23″ Double Rifle, 2-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Regulated barrels maintain 3-inch group convergence at 50 yards with both barrels
- Chrome-lined bore extends barrel life to approximately 5,000 rounds with proper maintenance
- 9.6-pound weight reduces perceived recoil by 15% compared to lighter double rifles
- Hand-fitted action requires only 8 pounds of force to break open for rapid reloading
Trade-offs
- No included scope mounting system - requires $250-400 additional investment for optics
- .470 NE ammunition costs $35 per round, making practice sessions economically prohibitive
- 42-inch length requires custom hard cases starting at $300 for proper transportation
- Fixed sights limit customization options without professional gunsmith modification
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Rizzini Rhino Express 23″ Double Rifle is a handcrafted, break-open dangerous game rifle chambered for .470 Nitro Express that delivers two rapid shots with premium mechanical reliability. Built on Rizzini's traditional side-by-side action with 23-inch chrome-lined stainless barrels, this 9.6-pound rifle combines Italian craftsmanship with modern barrel technology. The 2.5-grade Turkish walnut stock and dangerous-game engraving provide both aesthetic appeal and functional durability for demanding hunting conditions.
What is the Rizzini Rhino Express used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for dangerous game hunting where immediate second-shot capability is critical for safety and success. The break-open action allows for rapid follow-up shots within 2 seconds, and the 9.6-pound weight provides manageable recoil control with heavy .470 NE cartridges. It's ideal for African safari applications where regulations often require double rifles for species like elephant, rhino, or buffalo.
How does the Rizzini Rhino Express compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Rhino Express offers immediate second-shot capability that bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle cannot match, making it superior for dangerous game defense situations. However, the Stevens 334 costs approximately $14,000 less and provides greater ammunition versatility with its .308 Win chambering. For target shooting or non-dangerous game, the bolt-action represents better value, but for life-threatening encounters, only the double rifle provides adequate safety margins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.6 pounds (4.35 kg) with an overall length of 42 inches including the 23-inch barrels. The barrel diameter measures 0.85 inches at the breech, tapering to 0.65 inches at the muzzle, with a maximum width of 2.1 inches across both barrels. The stock length of pull measures 14.5 inches with a 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for beginners or recreational shooters due to its $14,995 price point and specialized dangerous-game chambering. The .470 Nitro Express ammunition costs approximately $35 per round, making practice prohibitively expensive for casual use. It also requires significant physical strength to handle the 75 foot-pounds of recoil energy generated by full-power loads.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the break-open action, two-barrel assembly, and factory-mounted flip-up sights with orange front bead. It includes a custom aluminum transport case measuring 45x12x6 inches with foam padding and two internal compartments for ammunition storage. The package contains manufacturer documentation and a 3-year limited warranty card, but no cleaning kit or additional accessories.
Is the Rizzini Rhino Express worth it at $14,995?
At $14,995, this rifle represents significant value for professional hunters and serious safari clients who require absolute reliability in dangerous situations. The hand-fitted action and premium materials justify the cost compared to mass-produced alternatives, with barrels regulated to print both shots within 3 inches at 50 yards. For its intended purpose of stopping charging game, the investment is justified by the mechanical certainty it provides when failure is not an option.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418714706 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 8101-47022 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 23" |
| caliber/gauge | 470 Nitro Express |
| capacity | 2 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 15.6 |
| sights | Flip-Up Leafs/ Orange Bead |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with scope mounts?
- The rifle accepts proprietary Rizzini scope mount rails that require gunsmith installation at additional cost. The receiver features pre-drilled and tapped holes spaced 1.5 inches apart for mounting systems costing $250-400. Ironclad Armory recommends the EAW pivot mount system for quick transition between optics and iron sights.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 42-inch overall length requires a minimum 46-inch hard case for proper protection during transport. Standard 40-inch cases will not accommodate this rifle without disassembly. We recommend Pelican 1750 cases or equivalent with custom foam cutting for secure transportation.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx 2-Day Air with signature required upon delivery, typically arriving within 3-5 business days after FFL verification. All shipments require copy of FFL license from receiving dealer before processing, which adds 1-2 business days to the timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Custom firearms have a 7-day inspection period for mechanical defects only, measured against manufacturer specifications. Returns for fit or preference are not accepted due to federal firearms regulations. All sales require FFL transfer through licensed dealer with proper background check completion.
- Does this work with suppressors?
- The 23-inch barrels are not threaded for suppressors and modification would void the 3-year warranty. The .470 Nitro Express generates over 35,000 PSI chamber pressure, making it unsuitable for most commercial suppressors rated for rifle cartridges.