The Chiappa Rhino 40SAR is a 6-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that also accepts .38 Special. The defining feature is the barrel positioned at the bottom of the cylinder rather than the top — this lowers the bore axis and reduces muzzle rise noticeably compared to a conventional revolver. 
 

Key Specifications: 

• Brand: Chiappa Firearms 
• Model: Rhino 40SAR 
• Type: Revolver 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special) 
• Barrel Length: 4 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 29.9 ounces (1.9 lbs) 
• Frame Size: Medium 
• Finish: Black Anodized Aluminum Frame with Blued Steel Cylinder 
• Sights: Fixed Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Fiber Optic Rear 
   

Detailed Features: 

 
The frame is black anodized aluminum; the cylinder is blued steel. At 29.9 oz with a 4-inch barrel, it's reasonably compact for a .357. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear give good visibility in varied lighting. The concealed hammer design eliminates the snag point you'd get with a traditional exposed hammer, which matters for holster carry. 
 
The bottom-bore-axis design is not just cosmetic — it shifts the recoil impulse more rearward than upward, which translates into faster target reacquisition with .357 Magnum loads.

The Rhino generates unusually strong opinions for a revolver, mostly because of the bottom-barrel design. People either find it elegant and functional or odd-looking — there's rarely a neutral take on the aesthetics.

On the functional side, the lower bore axis and resulting reduction in muzzle rise are real, not just claimed. Shooters who run .357 Magnum regularly notice the difference. The 4-inch barrel gives decent velocity without making it unwieldy for carry.

Trigger feel is where opinions split more. Some find the double-action pull smooth and consistent; others want lighter or crisper. A few buyers have reported minor fit and finish inconsistencies, so it's worth inspecting your specific example. Chiappa quality control is generally good but not completely uniform.

The ability to run both .357 Magnum and .38 Special is a practical plus. Compared to S&W or Ruger equivalents at a similar price, the Rhino trades some brand familiarity for its mechanical advantage. Most buyers who wanted that advantage end up happy with the trade.