Gun Review: American Tactical Imports VK-22

TTAG Exclusive: Chiappa President Ron Norton on RFID Controversy

That would be Ron Norton, President of Chiappa Firearms. demonstrating the Rhino for our dining and dancing pleasure. “The ammo used was the hottest that I could find,” Ron tells TTAG. “125 grain JHP Classic Federal, 1450 fps. I shot the group in under 1.5 seconds at 21 ft. The grouping was 2″. Please note that 5 of the shots were 1″.” Noted and logged. Thanks Ron.

Chiappa Rhino Post of the Day: Shoot!

“There will be two types of people in pistol competition,” Ron Norton tells TTAG. “People who start shooting this pistol and people getting beat by people shooting this pistol.” Well he would say that wouldn’t he, being the President of Chiappa Arms and all. But the man’s got pedigree. Norton built his first gun when he was 12. In the intervening 42 years, the accomplished gunsmith and shooter spent 16 years in the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department and several years with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU). The latter experience, including shooting competitions throughout South America, is what convinces Norton that the Chiappa Rhino is the best thing since sliced Browning. I mean bread . . .

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Chiappa: Rhino Will Dominate Pistol Competition

The guy in the Einstein getup is the lead engineer on the wheelgun. My first impression: I’m impressed. With the gun. Not the costume. The Rhino’s trigger felt really smooth, in both single and double-action. And I’m frankly fascinated (call me Frank) by the entire concept of the bottom of the cylinder barrel. The Chiappa Firearms‘ guy tells me the gunmaker’s awaiting final approval from the Powers That Be in the U.S. government. Unless the feds require major rhinoplasty, the gun should begin to trickle into dealers’ showrooms around July. Ish. [Ed: it’s an Italian company.] As soon as TTAG gets a Testing & Evaluation model, we’ll, uh, test and evaluate it.

First Look: Chiappa Arms Rhino Revolver Thingie