Chiappa Rhino 50SA 9mm Revolver — 5″ Walnut 6-Round
About this product
What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SA 9mm Revolver? The Chiappa Rhino 50SA is a single-action revolver chambered in 9mm with a 5" barrel and walnut grips, distinguishing itself through a low-axis bore that reduces muzzle flip by approximately 40% compared to traditional revolvers. Designed for precision target shooting and responsible carry, it features an alloy frame that keeps unloaded weight at 31.52 ounces while maintaining a 9.5-inch overall length. This model ships with three moon clips and a shell removal tool, facilitating rapid reloads and maintenance for both range sessions and defensive scenarios.
What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SA 9mm Revolver used for?
This revolver is optimized for deliberate target shooting and regulated carry applications where single-action trigger control is preferred. The 5-inch barrel and fully adjustable rear sight support groupings under 2 inches at 25 yards with match-grade ammunition, while the 9mm chambering offers affordable practice and compatibility with common semi-auto cartridges. Its 31.52-ounce weight provides stability for slow-fire accuracy but may be less ideal for all-day concealed carry compared to polymer-framed alternatives.
How does the Chiappa Rhino 50SA compare to the Smith & Wesson 686?
The Rhino 50SA outperforms the Smith & Wesson 686 in muzzle flip reduction due to its bottom-aligned barrel, but sacrifices double-action capability for a single-action-only design. Where the 686 offers a 6-round .357 Magnum cylinder with dual-action versatility, the Rhino's 9mm chambering and moon clip dependency limit its power ceiling while streamlining ammunition logistics. For shooters prioritizing flat shooting and 9mm commonality, the Rhino is superior; for those needing magnum power or double-action reliability, the 686 remains the benchmark.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is precisely 31.52 ounces (1.97 pounds) with an overall length of 9.5 inches and a 5-inch barrel. The cylinder width measures 1.56 inches at its widest point, and the walnut grips add 1.3 inches of depth from backstrap to frontstrap. These dimensions place it between compact semi-autos like the Glock 19 and full-sized revolvers like the Stevens 334 Rifle in handling characteristics, favoring range use over deep concealment.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is ill-suited for shooters requiring double-action operation or magnum-caliber stopping power. The single-action mechanism mandates manual cocking for each shot, eliminating rapid defensive fire capability, while the 9mm chambering cannot match .357 Magnum or .44 Special ballistic performance. Additionally, the 31.52-ounce weight and 9.5-inch length make it impractical for ankle or pocket carry, relegating it primarily to belt holsters or range bags. Seek a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for high-volume shooting or a compact semi-auto for concealed applications.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, three moon clips, a shell removing tool, and a single key-operated lock. Chiappa does not include a hard case or cleaning kit, expecting owners to supply their own maintenance equipment and storage solutions. The moon clips enable 6-round reloads in approximately 3 seconds with practice, but spare clips must be purchased separately for extended range sessions or competition use.
Is the Chiappa Rhino 50SA worth it at $1117.99?
At $1117.99, this revolver justifies its cost for specialists valuing its unique low-bore axis and single-action precision, but represents poor value for general-purpose use. The price positions it $300 above a base Smith & Wesson 686 while offering fewer calibers and action types, demanding that buyers specifically want 9mm revolver performance. For competitors focusing on single-action events or collectors appreciating its unconventional design, the investment is warranted; for those seeking a versatile sidearm, a standard double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol provides greater functionality per dollar.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Low-axis bore reduces muzzle flip by ~40% versus traditional revolvers
- 31.52 oz weight provides stability for sub-2" groups at 25 yards
- Includes 3 moon clips enabling 3-second reloads with practice
- Fully adjustable rear sight allows precise windage and elevation tuning
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—no double-action capability for rapid defensive use
- Moon clip dependency adds $25-50 for spare sets and introduces failure points
- 9.5" overall length prohibits concealed carry in most IWB configurations
- No included case or cleaning kit—adds $40-60 for proper storage
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670717381 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CF340.278 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 12.5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the Rhino 50SA is rated for SAAMI-spec +P 9mm ammunition, but sustained use may accelerate wear on the moon clip notches. I recommend limiting +P rounds to 20% of your total firing to preserve cylinder integrity over 5,000+ rounds.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 4-inch revolvers?
- No, the Rhino's hexagonal cylinder and 5-inch barrel require custom holsters due to its 1.56-inch width and unique profile. Brands like DeSantis and Galco offer molded options, but expect a 2-3 week lead time for order fulfillment.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically require 7 business days for processing and transit via FedEx, plus your local FFL's transfer time. We recommend contacting your dealer beforehand to ensure they accept shipments from Ironclad Armory.
- Can I return it if it fails to feed properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorer, but cosmetic issues or ammunition-related malfunctions are not covered. All returns must include original packaging and undergo a 10-day inspection period before refund processing.