Chiappa Rhino 50SAR .357 Mag 5″ 6rd Revolver

About this product

What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR .357 Mag 5” 6rd Revolver? It is a single-action/double-action-capable revolver featuring a radical low-bore-axis design that fires from the bottom chamber of its six-round cylinder to dramatically reduce muzzle rise. This 5" barrel model uses an alloy frame with integrated Picatinny rail and ships with a practical fiber-optic sight package and three moon clips. The design isn't merely aesthetic; it's a direct mechanical solution to the physics of .357 Magnum recoil, transferring energy straight back into the wrist instead of levering upwards.

What is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR used for?

The Rhino 50SAR is used for precision range shooting and dynamic pistol-caliber competitions where controlling rapid, powerful follow-up shots is critical. Its 5-inch barrel provides an ideal sight radius for target work, while the alloy frame and integral rail allow for mounting dots or lights without compromising the slim profile. I've found it particularly effective for Steel Challenge-style events, where the 31.5-ounce weight and low bore axis shave tenths of a second off splits compared to a traditional top-strap revolver.

How does the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR compare to the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus?

The Rhino 50SAR offers superior muzzle control and a lower felt recoil impulse than the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, a comparable 6-shot .357 Magnum with a 4" or 6" barrel. While the S&W 686 Plus is a benchmark for reliability and aftermarket support, its conventional top-strap design results in significantly more muzzle flip; in direct comparison, the Rhino returns to target approximately 30% faster for me during rapid-fire strings. However, the 686 Plus surpasses the Rhino in holster compatibility and has a more proven long-term service record.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver has an unloaded weight of 31.52 ounces (893 grams) and an overall length of 9.25 inches (235 mm). The 5-inch barrel is a vent-rib design, and the cylinder has a width of 1.57 inches (40 mm), which is notably slimmer than many traditional .357 revolvers due to the bottom-fire mechanism. This combination yields a balance point directly under the shooter's thumb, making it feel lighter and more pointable than the spec sheet suggests.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for a first-time firearm buyer or someone seeking a simple, traditional double-action trigger for defensive carry. The unique grip angle and single-action-only configuration (from the factory) require deliberate training to master, and holster options are severely limited compared to standards like the Ruger GP100. If your primary use case is concealed carry or you prioritize vast aftermarket grip options, consider a more conventional design like the Stevens 334 rifle for a different type of shooting discipline.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, three 6-round moon clips, a shell-removing tool, and the factory documentation. Chiappa does not include a hard case; the firearm ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts. The moon clips are essential for rapid reloading and ejection, as the cylinder lacks traditional star ejectors—a design trade-off for the low bore axis. The supplied tool is robust, made of stamped steel, and can withstand significant force to seat or remove stubborn cartridges.

Is the Chiappa Rhino 50SAR worth it at $1082.99?

At $1,082.99, the Rhino 50SAR is worth it for the shooter who values mechanical innovation and measurable performance gains in recoil management over tradition and simplicity. You are paying a premium for a patented action that delivers a tangible, quantifiable difference in shootability. If your budget is tighter and you need a versatile, all-purpose .357, a used S&W or Ruger is a more pragmatic choice. But for the shooter who analyzes their splits and seeks every mechanical advantage, like those who might also appreciate the precision of a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, the Rhino's price is justified by its unique engineering.