[8] Designed by Emilio Ghisoni and Antonio Cudazzo, the Rhino differs from traditional revolvers in a number of ways.

An additional feature of this gun is, unlike most revolvers, it comes with an accessory rail (except for the 2-inch and 3-inch models), on which tactical lights and laser sights can be mounted.

[11] Firing from the lowermost chamber in the cylinder as opposed to the uppermost is intended to reduce muzzle flip by aligning the recoil more into the shooter's wrist, rather than above it.

Another distinctive feature is that the cross-section of its cylinder is hexagonal (though with rounded corners) instead of circular; this is intended to narrow the weapon's profile in concealed carry applications.

[3][6][12] Chiappa manufactures the Rhino in a number of sizes, barrel lengths, finishes, and calibers, including a frame that is made from polymer instead of aluminum.