Certain firearms are larger than life. Thanks to pop culture, including movies, TV shows, and video games, these firearms have achieved a sense of immortality and ubiquity.
One example is the Chiappa Rhino. Its futuristic looks and instantly recognizable design lend themselves to pop culture iconism. The revolver can be seen in film franchises such as Jurassic World, Suicide Squad, Terminator, and The Expendables, as well as in the MCU, and in video games like Battlefield 4, Rainbow Six: Siege, The Division, Escape from Tarkov, and many, many more.
And because of its success, both in sales and on the screen, Chiappa keeps pumping out newer and more interesting iterations. The latest of which adds more horsepower.
The Next Step: L-Frame .44 Magnum
For those unfamiliar, the Rhino operates differently from any other revolver on the market. Instead of firing from the top of the cylinder, it fires from the bottom. Most complaints about revolvers involve the awkward height-over-bore, which causes more vertical muzzle rise. The Rhino addresses this by firing from the bottom of the cylinder.
Initially, this gun was offered in 357 Magnum with a variety of finishes and barrel lengths. However, new for 2026, Chiappa has introduced an L-Frame Rhino chambered in .44 Remington Magnum.
SPECS
The Rhino is such a unique handgun that one needs to experience it firsthand. Reading and writing about it doesn’t do it justice. Regardless, below are the specs of the new L-Frame model. While it retains the original’s conceptual look and feel, the .44 mag chambering elevates the platform to a whole new level.
- Model(s): Three, Black, White Nickel, Gold PVD
- Caliber: 44 Remington Magnum
- Capacity: 6
- Sights: Fixed Fiber-Optic Front, Fully Adjustable Fiber-Optic Rear
- Optic Cut: PIC Rail
- Grips: Hogue Rubber Grip
- Barrel Length: 6”
- Overall Length: 11”
- Weight: 2.92 lbs.
- Price: $1,470, $1,545, $1,745
FEATURES
Built on the Rhino’s unconventional bottom-chamber firing system, the 60DS in .44 Magnum keeps recoil moving straight back instead of up. The result is less muzzle rise and better control. That geometry remains the Rhino’s defining advantage, and it scales well to the larger chambering.
A Picatinny rail runs along the top rib, with another rail positioned under the barrel. This design makes it easy to mount optics, lights, and other accessories.
The new L-Frame brings meaningful ergonomic updates. Twin-finger stops, and a revised grip interface improve leverage and help lock the hand into a consistent position shot to shot. Even with the jump to .44 Magnum, the revolver maintains a balanced feel thanks to Chiappa’s continued use of a 7075-T6 aluminum frame paired with a steel barrel and breech shield—strength where it matters, without unnecessary weight.
The established Rhino safety system remains, including the cylinder block, rotation lock, and hammer block.
Zooming Out
Mechanically, all standard finishes are the same. Each 60DS features a 6-inch barrel, fiber-optic front sight, fully adjustable rear sight, and a six-round cylinder with a double/single-action trigger. While different finishes might change the look, the goal remains the same: a purpose-built .44 Magnum revolver focused on controllability, durability, and consistent performance.
Whether you’re a hunter, collector, or casual plinker, the new Chiappa Rhino 60DS L-Frame upgrades the platform to handle the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge.
