The Firearm Blog

Italian firearms manufacturer Armi Chiappa have developed a very cool looking .357 Magnum snubnosed revolver called the Chiappa Rhino Revolver.

Its angular design and the fact that it fires from the bottom chamber, unlike most other revolvers, gives it an appearance that closely resembled the legendary Mateba Autorevolver. Having a barrel fire from the lower chamber is supposed to help tame recoil and reduce muzzle flip.

Specifications
Caliber	357 Mag.
Capacity	6 rounds
Barrel	2"
Rate of twist	1:18.5"
Weight	24 ounces

Gun Holsters and Gear spoke to the company and found out that they may be available stateside at the end of the year.

UPDATE: Daniel points out below in the comments that the Rhino and Mateba were both designed by the same person, Mr Emilio Ghisoni.

The Chiappa 1911-22 is a .22 pistol patterned after the M1911. The action is not that of a 1911, but a fixed-barrel recoil system and is manufactured from steel and "Chiappalloy" (presumably a pot metal).

Specifications
Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Capacity	10 rounds
Grip	Wood
Barrel	5" / 6 grooves
Twist	1:16"
Total Length	9"
Weight	32 ounces
Price	$265+ depending on model
Availability	Now

The market for this pistol, and its not-yet-on-sale competitors the GSG 1911, are 1911 shooters who want to practice with cheap ammunition but would rather have a dedicated gun than purchasing a .22 conversion kit and having to swap it in and out of their .45 1911.