Chiappa Rhino and Revolver Nomenclature

by
posted on December 7, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sinews.jpg (8)

See, the Rhino's "cylinder" is not a cylinder. It is a hexagon. Yet, what are we supposed to call it?

If we call it a hexagon, no one will know what the hell we are talking about. As a part of the revolver it is, in fact, called the cylinder, but that's only because just about every revolver's rotating chamber mechanism has been cylindrical. No one will think us wrong for calling the Rhino's hexagon a cylinder in the context of revolvers, but it terms of geometry, it is wrong to call it a cylinder. Therin lies the aneurysm I'm about to have.

We could call it a "rotating chamber mechanism," which would be accurate, but awfully clunky. And, going forward, what would you call, say, a J-Frame's cylinder, which is actually a cylinder? Do we change everything because of a single (for now) anomaly? Do we maintain the status quo at the expense of accuracy because that's always easier?

The answer is: we drink. A lot.

Latest

ZeroTech Vengeance scope
ZeroTech Vengeance scope

First Look: ZeroTech Vengeance 1-8x24 LPVO Scope

ZeroTech's second-focal-plane low-power, variable optic has up to 8x zoom potential.

Handbook: Self Diagnostics

Learning to know yourself is the greatest improvement of all.

First Look: Galco APO Holster for Glock G21 Pistol

Galco introduces a new holster for the .45 ACP Glock pistol.

Review: Burris XTR PS Riflescope

Long-range shooting just got a lot easier.

First Look: Nextorch WL25 Weaponlight

This powerful weaponlight offers 1,200 lumens for target-identification purposes.

Review: Benelli Nova 3 Tactical Shotgun

The new Nova 3 Tactical from Benelli combines innovation and affordability to create what might be the best defensive pump shotgun on the market.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.