When most shooters think about revolvers, they imagine traditional designs that have changed little in over a century. But what if a revolver could offer the rapid fire capability of a semi-automatic pistol with the legendary reliability of a wheel gun? Enter the Chiappa Charging Rhino 60DS 9mm —a competition-focused revolver that flips conventional design on its head and delivers an extraordinary shooting experience.

Developed in collaboration with IPSC and ICORE competitive shooters, the Charging Rhino represents a natural evolution of Chiappa’s revolutionary Rhino platform . Chambered in the affordable and widely available 9mm Luger cartridge, this revolver combines the innovative low-bore design with a specialized trigger system optimized for competitive speed and accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a collector seeking something unique, or a shooter who wants to experience the future of revolver technology, the Charging Rhino 60DS 9mm deserves a place in your arsenal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything this remarkable firearm offers, from its unique engineering to real-world performance.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes the Charging Rhino Different?

2. Developed for Competition: The IPSC/ICORE Connection

3. Technical Specifications at a Glance

4. The Low-Bore Advantage: Engineering Genius in Action

5. Gen II Improvements: What’s New?

6. Trigger System: The Key to Competitive Speed

7. Sights and Optics-Ready Design

8. Handling, Ergonomics, and Recoil Management

9. Real-World Performance: Range Test Results

10. Charging Rhino vs. Traditional Rhino Models

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

12. Final Verdict

What Makes the Charging Rhino Different?

The Charging Rhino 60DS isn’t simply a Rhino with a different name—it’s a purpose-built competition tool . While the standard Rhino models are versatile firearms suitable for carry, home defense, and range use, the Charging Rhino focuses on one thing: helping shooters win matches.

Developed specifically for speed-oriented shooting disciplines like IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) and ICORE (International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts), the Charging Rhino incorporates several features that set it apart . The most obvious difference is the “Charging Rhino” logo emblazoned on the vent rib barrel, but the real distinctions lie beneath the surface.

The Charging Rhino features an improved “set trigger” system with a reduced pull weight, making it easier to fire rapidly and accurately . The single-action-only (SAO) or double-action-only (DAO) variants allow competitors to choose the trigger configuration that best suits their shooting style . Additionally, the Charging Rhino typically includes a six-round cylinder that accepts moon clips for rapid reloading—a critical feature in competitive shooting .

Key Charging Rhino Features:

• Competition-focused trigger system

• Reduced trigger pull weight

• Optional single-action-only (SAR) or double-action-only (DAO) configurations

• Moon clip compatible for rapid reloads

• Fiber optic front and rear sights

• Integrated Picatinny rails (top and bottom)

• Black frame with nickel cylinder finish (standard model)

Developed for Competition: The IPSC/ICORE Connection

The Charging Rhino was not designed in a vacuum. Chiappa collaborated directly with IPSC and ICORE shooters to create a revolver that would give competitors a winning advantage . This partnership ensured that the Charging Rhino addresses the specific needs of competitive shooters:

Speed: The reduced trigger pull weight and smooth, consistent action allow for faster shot-to-shot transitions.

Accuracy: The low-bore design minimizes muzzle flip, keeping the sights on target for rapid follow-up shots .

Reloads: Moon clips enable the shooter to load and eject all six rounds simultaneously, dramatically reducing reload times compared to traditional revolver loading .

Versatility: Available in both single-action-only and double-action-only variants, shooters can choose the configuration that matches their preferred competition style .

The Charging Rhino has already proven itself in competition, with shooters using it to place in major events. One competitor reported using the Charging Rhino to take 2nd place in Limited 6 at the ICORE Rocky Mountain Regional and 7th place overall at the 2018 International Revolver Championship .

Technical Specifications at a Glance

The Low-Bore Advantage: Engineering Genius in Action

At the heart of every Rhino revolver including the Charging Rhino is the revolutionary low-bore design. Unlike traditional revolvers that fire from the top chamber of the cylinder, the Rhino fires from the bottom chamber . This seemingly simple change has profound implications for performance.

Why the Low-Bore Design Works

When you fire a traditional revolver, the barrel sits high above your hand. The recoil force creates leverage that causes the muzzle to rise significantly—what shooters call “muzzle flip.” This upward movement requires the shooter to reacquire the target after every shot, slowing down follow-up shots and reducing accuracy.

The Charging Rhino’s barrel is aligned with the bottom-most chamber of the cylinder, placing the bore axis almost in line with the shooter’s forearm . This design channels recoil straight back into the hand rather than upward, dramatically reducing both recoil and muzzle flip .

Impact on Shooting

For competition shooters, this engineering breakthrough translates into measurable advantages:

Faster Follow-up Shots: With less muzzle rise, the sights stay on target, allowing rapid successive shots.

Reduced Felt Recoil: The recoil is distributed more efficiently, reducing shooter fatigue during extended range sessions.

Better Accuracy: The consistent, linear recoil impulse makes it easier to maintain sight alignment.

Confidence: Shooters can push their speed without sacrificing accuracy.

One competitor described the Charging Rhino as “crazy-fun to shoot since the recoil is so minimal, especially with 147gr 9mm loads” . Even with lighter 9mm loads, the low-bore design ensures a smooth, controllable shooting experience.

Gen II Improvements: What’s New?

The Charging Rhino 60DS Gen II introduces several refinements that enhance the already impressive platform :

Separated Springs: The hammer spring and trigger return spring have been separated for individual adjustment or replacement, allowing shooters to fine-tune their trigger pull.

Adjustable Trigger Travel Stop: Enables precise customization of the trigger’s range of motion.

Enhanced Finish Options: The Gen II models are dressed in a Kobalt Kinetics Slate Cerakote finish that complements the finger-grooved Charging Rhino grip .

Increased Moon Clips: The Gen II includes 10 moon clips with removal tool, compared to the standard model’s three.

These improvements make the Gen II Charging Rhino even more adaptable to individual shooter preferences and competition requirements.

Trigger System: The Key to Competitive Speed

The Charging Rhino’s trigger system is one of its most distinctive features. Unlike standard Rhino models that offer both single-action and double-action operation, the Charging Rhino is available in dedicated single-action-only (SAR) or double-action-only (DAO) configurations .

Single-Action-Only (SAR) Variant

The SAR variant is designed for shooters who prefer the crisp, light trigger pull of single-action operation for every shot. This configuration is ideal for precision competition where each shot is carefully aimed.

Double-Action-Only (DAO) Variant

The DAO variant—sometimes called the “Charging Rhino” in specific models like the CF340.276—is optimized for rapid-fire competition . The double-action-only operation allows for consistent trigger pull across all shots, eliminating the need to manage different trigger weights between single and double action.

Trigger Feel and Performance

Testers have consistently praised the Charging Rhino’s trigger. The double-action trigger is described as “unusually smooth and clean running” with “no jerking and even force distribution over the entire travel” . The trigger breaks at around 106 ounces (approximately 3,000 grams or 6.6 lbs) .

One competitor noted that the trigger pull is “around 7 – 7.5ish pounds and shockingly smooth and consistent” . The unusually wide 12mm trigger blade also contributes to a subjectively lighter trigger feel .

Performance Kits

Chiappa offers spring sets with various configurations that allow trigger pull weights between 88 oz (2,500g) and 148 oz (4,200g) . For the lightest configurations, Federal 100 primers are recommended for reliable ignition . The installation of these performance kits should be left to a qualified gunsmith.

Sights and Optics-Ready Design

The Charging Rhino comes equipped with a sight system designed for speed and precision:

Standard Sights

• Front Sight: Fixed red fiber optic for rapid target acquisition

• Rear Sight: Fully adjustable green fiber optic with elevation and windage adjustments 

The contrasting red and green fiber optic rods provide excellent visibility in various lighting conditions, making target acquisition quick and intuitive . The rear sight is described as “snapping neatly into the clicks” for precise adjustments .

Optics-Ready Design

The Charging Rhino features Picatinny rails on both the top and bottom of the barrel . This allows for mounting:

• Red dot sights for competition

• Scopes for precision shooting

• Lights or lasers for tactical applications

Many competition shooters prefer using red dot sights with the Charging Rhino. The rails ensure that optics stay securely mounted even during rapid fire.

Handling, Ergonomics, and Recoil Management

Grip and Ergonomics

The Charging Rhino comes standard with gray laminate medium grips designed for small to medium-sized hands . Shooters with larger hands (size 8 gloves and above) may prefer more voluminous grips, and aftermarket options are available .

The hand position on the Charging Rhino resembles more of a sports pistol than a traditional revolver due to the high grip spur . This design choice supports the low-bore concept, keeping the hand aligned with the bore axis for optimal recoil management.

Recoil Management

Multiple factors contribute to the Charging Rhino’s exceptional recoil management:

1. Low-Bore Design: Directs recoil rearward rather than upward

2. Lightweight Construction: At approximately 2 lbs (950g), the Charging Rhino is surprisingly light despite its size

3. Mass Distribution: The aluminum frame keeps weight manageable while the steel barrel and cylinder provide necessary mass where it counts

One shooter noted that with 147gr 9mm loads, “the recoil is so minimal” that the Charging Rhino becomes “crazy-fun to shoot” . Even with standard 9mm ammunition, the Charging Rhino remains comfortable to shoot for extended sessions.

Important Handling Note

Unlike traditional revolvers, the Charging Rhino features a unique operating system. The “hammer” you see is actually a cocking device, not a hammer that stays back . When you cock it, the cocking indicator pops up to show the firearm is ready to fire. The hammer then returns forward, eliminating the risk of snagging or accidental discharge .

Real-World Performance: Range Test Results

Accuracy

Competition shooters and reviewers consistently praise the Charging Rhino’s accuracy. The combination of a 6-inch barrel, low-bore design, and precision trigger system delivers exceptional results on the range.

During ICORE competitions, shooters using the Charging Rhino have achieved top-tier placements, demonstrating the firearm’s competitive viability . The revolver’s accuracy is sufficient for the demanding requirements of IPSC and ICORE stages.

Reliability

The Charging Rhino is designed to run with or without moon clips, though competitors recommend using clips for reliable extraction . When using handloads, particularly with Federal primers, reliability is excellent. However, some factory ammunition may occasionally fail to ignite, particularly Winchester White Box, which is typical for tuned revolvers .

Competition Performance

One competitor’s experience illustrates the Charging Rhino’s capabilities:

• 2nd place in Limited 6 at ICORE Rocky Mountain Regional

• 7th place of 19 in Limited 6 at the 2018 International Revolver Championship 

These placements demonstrate that the Charging Rhino is not just a novelty—it’s a legitimate competition tool.