The Chiappa Rhino 50DS is a revolver that takes a genuinely different approach to the traditional design. Its low bore axis — firing from the bottom chamber of the cylinder rather than the top — cuts muzzle rise noticeably, which means faster follow-up shots and tighter groups at distance. The hexagonal cylinder trims weight without sacrificing strength. Chrome finish over aluminum alloy. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .357 MAG 
• Action: Double Action 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5 Inches 
• Weight: 2 lbs. 
• Finish: Chrome 
   

Features 

• Low bore axis minimizes muzzle rise and keeps the gun tracking back on target quickly 
• Hexagonal cylinder is lighter than a conventional round cylinder 
• Fixed fiber optic front sight with adjustable rear for quick acquisition in varied light 
• Snag-resistant hammer for clean draws from a holster or concealment 
• Aluminum alloy frame with chrome finish 
   
  The Rhino 50DS handles .357 Magnum and .38 Special interchangeably. At 2 lbs. with a 5-inch barrel, it sits in a practical middle ground between compact carry and range gun. Competitive shooters in steel challenge or bullseye events have used it effectively, and the low bore axis pays real dividends during extended strings of fire.

Owners of the Chiappa Rhino 50DS Chrome tend to land in a few consistent camps.

The low bore axis gets the most attention. Shooters who've fired conventional revolvers back-to-back with the Rhino generally confirm that muzzle rise is meaningfully reduced, which translates to faster splits in practical shooting. That real-world benefit converts a lot of skeptics.

The chrome finish and hexagonal cylinder draw comments on both sides — some find the industrial-futuristic look appealing, others prefer a more traditional profile. Either way, it doesn't go unnoticed at the range.

Grip ergonomics get mixed reviews depending on hand size. Most find it comfortable; shooters with smaller hands sometimes note the grip geometry takes adjustment.

The ability to shoot .38 Special alongside .357 Magnum is consistently cited as a practical advantage, especially for practice economics.

Reliability reports are mostly positive, with occasional notes about quality variation between production runs. Price comes up regularly — opinions split on whether the unique engineering justifies the premium over a conventional .357 revolver, and that answer seems to depend largely on how much the low bore axis matters to the individual shooter.