Say Hello to my Ul_Ti_Mate Rapid

[Ca_Varminter]

Here a small introduction to my Chip Smith Titanium Rapid.....
It all start from a very humble beginning.
Chip Smith, A true CNC Machinist Extraordinaire. He runs his own machine shop.
He specializes in Milspec, Medical quality, small run parts.
One of his hobbies and love at the time were Rapids and other PCP's.
So he happen to come accros a few Titanium blocks..


He became motivated to produce his Own Rapid Receiver!
So he ask for suggestion and ideas from the Member on the old AirgunAdvice.net which I used to run.
Well the decision was reached. He would make an extended receiver with 2 barrel pinch clamps. Also it would incorporate a 20 moa Picatinny rail. But it would take the majority of the off the shelf parts for the Rapid
So The Machining began...




So after many hours of deburring, replacing carbide insert(this is the main reason why Chip said this was a one time Run!)


...and a little work by me..
This is the Ul_Ti_Mate Rapid fully dressed

There will be more pictures and stories to come...

Enjoy,
Stuart

[The Robin]

Just stunning and amazing skill involved making this one off. I love it 

[nevadacowboy]

Very nice. When you get bored with it just send it to me.

[KCE]

Very nice and Unique Stuart.
You cant get better than that and finished off with an un believable stunning stock.

Regards Kev.

[Daztilley]

WOW - that looks fantastic Stuart - that really is the ultimate rapid - born from a block of Ti 👍👍👍👍

[MMA player]

Airgun Advice was a superb forum.

Just out of interest how many blocks did chip produce

[Ca_Varminter]

Airgun Advice was a superb forum.

Just out of interest how many blocks did chip produce

Thanks All of us worked hard to keep flowing...

I believe Chip made either 7 or 9 Receivers..
but this number may increase by one...
The last time we talked last year..
Chip told me during this crazy time, he didn't make one for himself..
So he was going to take time..mill just one more for his personal collection!

Stuart

[Ca_Varminter]

Here are couple of more photos of the fun.....

Proof of Concept!
This is Chip's Aluminum Prototype. After tweaking his code, this was the final test.
Next Stop Titanium...Notice No Scallop cut.. Member on AA.net jump on Chip about that! I had to send Chip many photos and measurements. With the magic of CNC...Chip made the change in about 1/2 hour!


Here is is pressure test subject.... He inflated with hydraulic oil to about 5000psi


As for the Stock Chassis he made me.
He made this chassis that take AR15 stock a couple of times.
So I ask him during one his runs, could he make one for a Airtube Rapid...
Being the CNC Artist, he told me it would take 20 minutes to make the changes..
and longer piece of Aluminum..So here he goes, starting the milling..


Once the machining was done Chip sent it to me in the Raw, to test fit and make any adjustments before he would have it hard anodizing!



So only 3 thing I added...
front picatinny rail
Bevel the front of the forearm profile
add a trigger overtravel stop screw..



More for you guys to Digest!!!
Also Remember everything Dr Bob is going through to Get his Ground Breaking Vendetta off the Ground.... Not being the Machinist or Shop foreman..This Makes the
Task of making custom Machined Receiver Very, Very Tough!!

Atb,
Stuart

[kennyboy]

That really is a one off Rapid Stuart. I bet there are quite a few jealous Rapiditis sufferers after viewing that. Ken.

[Ca_Varminter]

That really is a one off Rapid Stuart. I bet there are quite a few jealous Rapiditis sufferers after viewing that. Ken.

Hi Ken,

Well let's just say there are a couple of Rapid owner who wished they lived in the US, to get the chance to own one!!
Also there a few have ask why do it....
My Answer to them is, "Why Not!"
She will pump out JSB Monster @ 70fpe!!
Right now I am in the process to if my LW Polygonal barrel like Slugs..
The testing never ends!!

Stuart

[kennyboy]

Hi Stuart.                                                                                                                                                                                         I must admit to being one of the people who wished they could have an Ul-Ti-Mate Rapid like yours, running at twelve foot lbs though.  As for why do it, if everybody thought,  like that there would never have been a Rapid MK2, let alone the rest of the Theoben stable.  I am considering an FAC rifle at present, but only to about thirty foot lbs. Power like yours would be far too much for me, but if YOU like it, go for it. Plus you have a lot more land to shoot on over there. I would really like a compressor like yours too. Please keep showing us your guns, it`s nice to see what can be done with the Rapid platform. Best wishes Ken.

[marky74]

wow ,absolutely stunning

[Mr Bond]

That is fabulous work. Stunning!

[Ca_Varminter]

Oops I forgot to add this to my Ul_Ti_Mate  Rapid thread.....

The latest  project for my Titanium Rapid is a Custom Short Valve-Body and match Tapered Valve.
This combining some ideas through the years from 220Swift.
Shorter body give it flow and consistency!
Also no O-ring on the Valve-stem...
I am try out a new design with a precision bored Delrin sleeve in the Valve-body...


So next stop... Testing my Valve design with my Custom Swaged Slugs......


So the testing Continues!!

Stuart

[Paul Armstrong]

That is pretty dam cool.