Has anyone looked into converting a chiappa rhino it looks like a simple conversion but I am no means an expert. Just to clarify I was looking at a .40.
Convert it to a 10mm?
I wonder if the cylinder is long enough to do it? Would it be able to handle the higher pressures?
Yes to a 10mm. It looks like the 10mm oal should be fine due to the 357 magnum being longer and I doubt they changed the frame between them so it should be just a matter of pressure.
I should state my experience with revolvers is quite limited so I may be way off base.
Chiappa Rhino is shown in several models chambered in 40S&W; http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/727 (http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/727)
340.140 RHINO 60 DS GOLD USA ONLY 40S&W 6"-15,2 cm 10"1/2-26,6 cm 6-1x16" 0,94 kg-2,06 lbs
CF340.123 RHINO 200D Black USA ONLY 40S&W 2"-5 cm 6"1/2-16,4 cm 6-1x16" 0,7 kg-1,5 lbs
340.110 RHINO 20DS Black ALL 40S&W 2"-5 cm 6"1/2-16,4 cm 6-1x16" 0,7 kg-1,5 lbs
340.131 RHINO 20DS Chrome ALL 40S&W 2"-5 cm 6"1/2-16,4 cm 6-1x16" 0,7 kg-1,5 lbs
340.108 RHINO 40DS Black ALL 40S&W 4"-10 cm 8"1/2-21,5 cm 6-1x16" 0,85 kg-1,87 lbs
340.118 RHINO 40DS Chrome ALL 40S&W 4"-10 cm 8"1/2-21,5 cm 6-1x16" 0,85 kg-1,87 lbs
340.109 RHINO 50DS Black ALL 40S&W 5"-12,7 cm 9"1/2-24 cm 6-1x16" 0,9 kg-1,97 lbs
340.119 RHINO 50DS Chrome ALL 40S&W 5"-12,7 cm 9"1/2-24 cm 6-1x16" 0,9 kg-1,97 lbs
340.120 RHINO 60DS Black ALL 40S&W 6"-15,2 cm 10"1/2-26,6 cm 6-1x16" 0,94 kg-2,06 lbs
340.121 RHINO 60DS Chrome ALL 40S&W 6"-15,2 cm 10"1/2-26,6 cm 6-1x16" 0,94 kg-2,06 lbs
Just keep in mind they are designed to be what they are, the 40S&W pressure 35,000 PSI cartridge is not much below the 37,500 of the 10mm, however they should have some safety factor built into them.
Two things come to mind for the conversion...
1st is the cylinder long enough for the 10mm length? So yes the chamber would have to be cut deeper to accommodate the length of the 10mm cartridge, how much forcing cone would be left after lengthening the chamber?
2nd if no moon clips are being used for the 40S&W as sold, then the rear of the cylinder may require cutting to use moon clips to be able to utilize either or for headspacing.
Personally I'd stick to the Glock 29 with an aftermarket 10mm bbl and a 40S&W conversion bbl... ;)