CHIAPPA - RHINO and other Products.

I was exploring the Italian CHIAPPA website the other day - I was actually interested in their M1 -9 Carbine, that might be good to import into New Zealand as it comes with a small capacity (ten round) 9mm magazine,- doesn't have a "free-standing pistol grip', and has some sort of 'bayonet lug' that looks readily removable. I see that the US company Legacy Sports is offering these carbines as the 'Citadel' carbines. The carbines are a blow-back operated gun, and also come in .22" Rim-Fire.

- I need to clarify for overseas readers: - any centre-fire Semi-Auto long-arm that has a magazine holding more than seven rounds (Or looks like it does!) - or has a bayonet lug,- or has a "Free-Standing Pistol Grip" is considered a more dangerous weapon in New Zealand and is classed as a restricted E-Category weapon requiring an extra endorsement to the standard Firearms License,- may only be bought with a Police 'Permit to procure' - and has to be registered.

- When I enquired about NZ importation - the nice Italian lady replied that a large Kiwi gun dealer was already on the job (with smaller seven round magazines - made by Beretta) - so we pistol range shooters may soon be able to buy an affordable A-Cat 9x19mm carbine to use on restricted pistol calibre ranges. - Currently any used Marlin Camp Carbines or Ruger 9mm Carbines that are offered for sale fetch a premium price ("costalotta!").

Anyway - when wandering about the Chiappa website I spotted the 'Rhino'  revolver again and was  reminded that it was a bloody ugly way to execute a clever idea!

- To be fair - it's not all that ugly - but someone seems to have decided that they will change just about everything from the norm - rather than merely change the chamber that is fired from.

Bringing the centreline of the bore down that much must really make a gun that jumps a lot less than a conventional revolver and that's cool -

                                                   Fast Action With A RHINO.

 

But here's a thought - How much closer are your fingers and thumb to that bottom-chamber cylinder gap - and are not the risks of flame-cutting your digits much increased? - I think that having to use both hands to tell the barman that you want another round of five drinks might be a pain. - If you watch the full-length (27 minute) review video - you'll see Jerry Miculek complain that he burnt his thumb with the .38 Special ammo. There's certainly plenty of flame exiting that cylinder gap.

He says that his Rhino is the "White Rhino" Stainless Steel version - then goes-on to explain that it's actually an alloy frame that's been plated. - Just showing my prejudices - but I'd prefer a full stainless steel gun to a plated alloy.

Chiappa make some interesting stuff - including muzzle loaders and a "Mares Leg" lever-action shorty. Hmmm.

Marty K