These pistols from Italy have just come into the States this year and I was able to get one of the first. I’m a huge fan of the Strike One pistol and the Rapax is basically a super high-end version of the Strike One Ergal, albeit with some design tweaks. The Rapax is available in a few configurations, this being the Sport model with a flatter trigger and adjustable sights.

Design tweaks include a rotating locking block, a fluted barrel for better cooling, and just an overall heavier and beefier build. The parts are all cut from billet steel or aluminum. There are no cast or MIM parts anywhere. The finishes offered are all top notch. This example is their very slick Black Nickel finish with a TiN barrel. Black DLC is also offered.

Everything about the gun is done with some incredible attention to detail and the craftsmanship and fit/finish are top notch inside and out. Not cheap by any means, but its one of the nicest Italian pistols I’ve ever seen. I highly doubt these will be imported in any kind of quantity, as they aren't even built in quantity. Kind of a niche luxury pistol, but one that has apparently been doing very well in the European competitive circle. The bore is amongst the lowest of any locked breech pistol.

Please enjoy some pics…



























Internally, the gun is like a jewel, honestly.

While it's machining is certainly pretty, I'm not clear on what is different about the function. Can you summarize? Their website wasn't the most informative about that portion.

The warning on the side of the frame noting that it doesn't have a magazine disconnect is interesting, too. I haven't seen that before.

Stunning pistol, Bac 1023. Thanks very much for sharing

Fancy, but I don't know as I've ever seen a grip design with such a complete lack of texture. What happens when it rains, or your hands get sweaty?

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
While it's machining is certainly pretty, I'm not clear on what is different about the function. Can you summarize? Their website wasn't the most informative about that portion.

The warning on the side of the frame noting that it doesn't have a magazine disconnect is interesting, too. I haven't seen that before.

It uses a rotating locking block. Barrel stays completely level.

C’mon 92. That gun isn’t never going to get shot let alone see sweat or rain. lol.

It is like a jewel. Not my thing at all but I can appreciate the craftsmanship.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Fancy, but I don't know as I've ever seen a grip design with such a complete lack of texture. What happens when it rains, or your hands get sweaty?

The grooves and serrations do fine. It’s definitely a secure enough grip and a lot more than something like a 1911 with no checkering. People have been using those for decades.

Texturing is mainly for polymer pistols.

Eah, looks well made but GD if that ain’t ugly lol.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Eah, looks well made but GD if that ain’t ugly lol.

To each their own, I guess. I love the way it looks and the way it’s machined.

I realize it’s not for everyone, but I’ve always been a huge fan of the Strike One/Archon design. The Rapax is basically an enhanced version on the Strike One Ergal. I’ve got a few of those and they shoot very well.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
C’mon 92. That gun isn’t never going to get shot let alone see sweat or rain. lol.

It is like a jewel. Not my thing at all but I can appreciate the craftsmanship.

I’ll put some rounds through it, but, no, it won’t be a volume shooter. It’s more of a fine collector for me.

The Strike Ones are great shooters. The one in the middle is the Ergal Pro, which is design to be used with grip tape. I haven’t gotten that far yet, but the two black Ergals I shoot often. I bought one to a local match recently. Great guns.

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Eah, looks well made but GD if that ain’t ugly lol.

To each their own, I guess. I love the way it looks and the way it’s machined.

I realize it’s not for everyone, but I’ve always been a huge fan of the Strike One/Archon design. The Rapax is basically an enhanced version on the Strike One Ergal. I’ve got a few of those and they shoot very well.

100% personal opinion on my part. Lots of great guns in your collection I’d snatch up on a heartbeat. This one just falls on the other end of the spectrum, for me.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Eah, looks well made but GD if that ain’t ugly lol.

To each their own, I guess. I love the way it looks and the way it’s machined.

I realize it’s not for everyone, but I’ve always been a huge fan of the Strike One/Archon design. The Rapax is basically an enhanced version on the Strike One Ergal. I’ve got a few of those and they shoot very well.

100% personal opinion on my part. Lots of great guns in your collection I’d snatch up on a heartbeat. This one just falls on the other end of the spectrum, for me.

All good Otto. I certainly understand.

I’ve got quite a few different looking pistols that I know don’t appeal to everyone. Some of them likely appeal to very few.

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

It uses a rotating locking block. Barrel stays completely level.

That is pretty cool!

Interesting mechanism. Can you feel a difference when shooting it vs. a more common design?

Beautiful! Glad I saw those pics; probably the closest I’ll ever get to one of those beauties!

The craftsmanship is outstanding. But not a pretty pistol. I prefer your last post of Nighthawks!!

quote:

Originally posted by got2hav1:
The craftsmanship is outstanding. But not a pretty pistol. I prefer your last post of Nighthawks!!

Yeah, definitely modern art vs old school masterpiece.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
Interesting mechanism. Can you feel a difference when shooting it vs. a more common design?

It does feel a little different than a traditional tilting barrel design. Of course, you could say the same thing about a Beretta 92, etc.

In the case of the Rapax, the bore is very low. Muzzle flip will be minimal, just like a Strike One.

Knowing your fancy for Commander sized 2011s, the Lynx Compact looks right up your alley.

Thanks for the pics. I would never hear about half the guns you own without you showing them. Very neat collection indeed.