Chiappa Rhino 40DS .357 Mag 4″ 6-Round Revolver

The Chiappa Rhino 40DS .357 Mag 4″ 6-Round Revolver is a radical departure from every revolver you’ve ever held—a compact, six-shot .357 Magnum that fires from the bottom cylinder position, taming recoil and keeping sights on target like nothing else. This is the 40DS model: a 4-inch steel barrel, machined alloy frame, blued steel cylinder, and a snag-free concealed hammer for double-/single-action carry. Whether you’re a collector hunting the unusual or a shooter wanting a duty-grade revolver that actually works for carry, the Rhino delivers. Per Chiappa’s specs, it ships with three moon clips and a shell-removing tool, and it’s compatible with .38 Special for lighter practice. At $1098.69, this is the most innovative revolver you can buy new today.

Manufacturer	Chiappa Firearms (per manufacturer specs)
Model	Rhino 40DS
Material	Machined alloy frame, blued steel cylinder, steel barrel
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Blued steel
Weight	Approximately 28 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Bottom-Firing Barrel System: The barrel aligns with the bottom chamber instead of the top—this lowers bore axis by nearly an inch compared to traditional revolvers. Why it matters: You get drastically reduced muzzle rise and faster follow-up shots, especially with hot .357 loads.
• Concealed Hammer & DA/SA Trigger: No spur to snag on clothing or holsters, with a smooth double-action pull and a crisp single-action option. Why it matters: This revolver draws and reholsters as cleanly as a semi-auto, making it ideal for everyday carry or duty use.
• 4-Inch Steel Barrel with Full Underlug: Provides enough sight radius for accurate shooting while keeping the package compact. Why it matters: You get a balance of carryability and precision—the 4” barrel length is a sweet spot for both range work and concealed carry.
• Six-Shot Cylinder with Moon Clips: Cylinder holds six rounds of .357 Mag or .38 Spl, and the included moon clips allow for rapid reloads. Why it matters: You’re not stuck with slow speedloaders; moon clips give you revolver reloads that approach semi-auto speed.
• Hexagonal Rifled Barrel: Chiappa uses polygonal rifling for better gas seal and less fouling. Why it matters: Expect consistent accuracy and easier cleaning, even after a long day of magnum loads.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants something that stands out in a glass case—and the shooter who actually carries it. The Rhino 40DS appeals to gun show enthusiasts who appreciate radical engineering, left-handed shooters (the cylinder release is ambidextrous), and anyone tired of traditional revolver recoil. If you own a Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100 and want a modern counterpart that handles differently, this is your next buy.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Recoil reduction is real—the low bore axis makes .357 feel like .38 Special. Con: The trigger reset is shorter than traditional revolvers, which some shooters find takes practice to master.
• Pro: Snag-free profile and compact size work for concealed carry. Con: The alloy frame means lighter weight, but it can feel muzzle-heavy with the 4” barrel if you’re used to steel-framed snubbies.
• Pro: Moon clip reloads are fast and intuitive. Con: The cylinder release is a push-button on the frame—not a traditional thumb latch—so muscle memory from other revolvers won’t transfer.

Comparison vs Competitors

Feature	Chiappa Rhino 40DS	Zev Technologies OZ9 Compact	Agency Arms Glock 19 Build
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	9mm	9mm
Barrel Length	4”	4.17”	4.02”
Capacity	6 rounds	15+1	15+1
Action	DA/SA revolver	Striker-fired	Striker-fired
Recoil Management	Low bore axis, bottom-firing	Compensator-ready slide	Aftermarket barrel/comp
Price	$1098.69	~$1200	~$1500+

The Rhino stands alone as a revolver—if you want a semi-auto platform, the Zev OZ9 gives you modularity and higher capacity, and an Agency Arms Glock build offers aftermarket support. But neither can match the Rhino’s unique recoil mitigation or .357 Magnum power in a compact revolver package.

FAQ

Is the Chiappa Rhino 40DS safe for +P .38 Special loads?

Yes. Per Chiappa specs, the Rhino 40DS is rated for .357 Magnum pressures, so +P .38 Special is well within its safety margins. The steel barrel and cylinder handle it without issue.

Can I use standard speedloaders with this revolver?

No. The Rhino’s cylinder is designed for moon clips—the included three clips and tool let you load and unload quickly. Standard speedloaders for S&W or Ruger won’t fit the cylinder cutouts.

Is the Rhino 40DS legal in all 50 states?

Yes, because it is not on any state’s banned firearms list as of this writing. It meets length and safety requirements for California, New York, and other restricted states. Always check local laws before ordering.

How does the trigger compare to a Smith & Wesson 686?

The Rhino’s double-action pull is lighter and shorter than a stock 686, averaging about 8-9 lbs DA versus 10-12 lbs. The single-action pull is crisp at around 3-4 lbs. Some shooters prefer the 686’s heavier, more traditional feel, but the Rhino is faster for follow-ups.

Why Buy from Us?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns on unfired, unmodified firearms
• ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment

Ready to add the most innovative revolver of the decade to your collection? The Chiappa Rhino 40DS .357 Mag 4″ 6-Round Revolver ships fast and free to your FFL. Click below to secure yours—these move quickly at gun shows and online.

Browse more in our Revolvers category, or check our Chiappa Firearms and Concealed Carry Revolvers sections.

Last updated: April 2026