SHOT Show 2026: Chiappa Rhino Enters the .44 Magnum Market

For years, the Chiappa Rhino has earned recognition thanks to its unique design. As the only mass-produced revolver that fires from the bottom chamber of the cylinder, it features a drastically lowered barrel axis, bringing it closer to the shooter’s arm axis. The result? Recoil is directed linearly to the rear, which is intended to almost completely eliminate muzzle rise. Combined with its well-regarded trigger mechanism, the Rhino in .44 Magnum is shaping up to be one of the most stable platforms in its weight class.

Photos: Jakub Buczma, MILMAG

The new Rhino is based on an enlarged frame (comparable to an L-frame size), precision-machined from a solid block of aluminum using CNC technology. Key components – including the barrel, cylinder, and internal mechanisms – are made from high-grade steel.

As is traditional for the Italian manufacturer Chiappa Firearms, four standard finish options are available: classic black, chrome, gold, and the spectacular “Nebula,” shimmering with oil-slick iridescent colors.

At SHOT Show 2026, Chiappa Firearms unveiled two unique limited series of the Chiappa Rhino .44 Magnum:

• Navy Blue (440 units): Finished in a deep navy blue with an American flag motif.
• Elite (only 44 units): True works of art. Each revolver is hand-painted in sunset colors (purple–orange–yellow), ensuring that no two pieces are identical. Buyers of the Elite version receive the revolver in a luxury case with a commemorative plaque.

Interesting note: Demand exceeded even the boldest expectations – all units from both limited series have already sold out.

The features of 60DS model in .44 Magnum:

• Barrel: 6 inches (152 mm)
• Sights: Fiber-optic front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight, also fiber-optic
• Action: SA/DA (Single Action / Double Action)
• Safety features: A red cocking indicator (a hallmark of the Chiappa Rhino series), along with cylinder lock and rotation safety mechanisms

Despite its increased dimensions, the revolver surprises with its light weight and balance. Thanks to its aluminum frame, it is noticeably more manageable than its all-steel competitor, the Smith & Wesson Model 629.

The full-length Picatinny rail running over the barrel and frame significantly adds to the overall profile, yet it does not affect weight distribution as much as one might expect. The revolver remains relatively agile in the hands.

Trigger pull – despite the transition to the more powerful caliber – remains just as smooth as in the .357 Magnum versions.

Standard models (if you can still find them on store shelves) are priced as follows:

• Black: 1,470 USD
• Chrome: 1,545 USD
• Gold: 1,745 USD
• Navy Blue (Limited): 2,145 USD
• Elite: 5,775 USD (for the most determined collectors)

According to information obtained from the Italian representative of Chiappa Firearms, the first orders outside the company’s home country came from Germany — including four Elite units. We can likely expect to see them on our domestic market in the near future as well.

Chiappa Firearms official website

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