I don't think a ripper re-tex would work all that well, you can't swing it outside of vats and well you HAVE to swing a chainsword, you cant just hold it up to something and wait for it to explode.
Someone should try to put some WH40K, factions in new vegas (Space marines, Orks, Tau etc.) and add weapons and armour, and maybe faction quests. I know it's a lot of work but I think it would be worthwhile, anyone agree?