Seb Rest for Bench Use

[Curmudgeon]

is there a particular model of Seb that is favored for light rifle shooting? 3 inch forend. The Seb Ratigan looks good. Thanks

 

[johara1]

The Ratigan model is way smoother than the standard model, because of no spring. But they all suffer in the cold and get sticky and hard to hit the exact spot you are looking for you pinning back and forth. That being said my Sinlair shooting stool would not move well either...... jim

 

[Pahunter1975]

I own a Ratigan and absolutely love it! Would buy another if I had to.

 

[Falfan2017]

I like the knob operates stuff for br like Sinclair competition or jj loh. I think it’s easier to adjust the knob to precisely where you want it quickly than it is to move the joystick back and forth until it’s just right. Plus you can save a grand

 

[kzin]

I like the knob operates stuff for br like Sinclair competition or jj loh. I think it’s easier to adjust the knob to precisely where you want it quickly than it is to move the joystick back and forth until it’s just right. Plus you can save a grand

I very much agree with you but it seems we're in the minority.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The ratigan model has a one piece bag to be legal in 100/200yd benchrest. That and the lack of the lift springs makes it pretty much suitable only for that game or any that requires a one piece front sandbag and the gun weighs less than 13lbs. If youre not in this camp the regular model would be more suitable

 

[Shooter13]

I love the Ratigan too, very smooth and when you work with the counterbalance it is quite easy to maneuver.

 

[F Class John]

I have to say I have a Ratigan version and shoot f-class no issue and wouldn’t trade it for anything. In fact on days when others are complaining about spring back on their standard models I have zero issues because of the lack of springs. The problem with the Ratigan is most people don’t know how or take the time to properly weight balance their front end. It’s admittedly a time consuming process and may take adding weights, but when done correctly your gun floats on the rest with zero issues and then takes the same amount of force up or down which is wonderful. May not be for everyone but don’t discount it as a benchrest only rest.

If anyone gets a Ratigan and need help Mike (Ratigan) will spend as long as it takes in the phone to help you. He’s amazing to talk to.

 

[seb]

That's why our static counterweight system has been copied/adopted by some.

seb
www.sebrests.com

 

[sawcarver]

I have a NEO and use it year round at least once a month if not two or three times a month. Ive used it in below zero Michigan winters to 100 degrees in Wyoming and have never had it feel sticky or springy. I love mine.

 

[seb]

The Ratigan model is way smoother than the standard model, because of no spring. But they all suffer in the cold and get sticky and hard to hit the exact spot you are looking for you pinning back and forth. That being said my Sinlair shooting stool would not move well either...... jim

(Apart from the internals design, the components and the tolerance factor) It's smoother because the of counterweight (self balancing reason), how the tension is adjusted, and how the rotational resistance of the center shaft is adjusted. The uplift springs almost has nothing to do with the smoothness. The spring is basically a "substitute" for the counterweight.

I would recommend SEB rest users to check the rotational resistance of the center shaft periodically, so that it can be rotated with enough rotational resistance, not too tight but not too loose also.
(This can be easily checked by securing the joystick into the center shaft and then to rotate the joystick).
Loosening or tightening the small set screw on the bottom of the front bearing can change/adjust the tightness. Use 3mm allen wrench.
However do not change the factory setting if it's already about right.

For BR use*:
When the tension is set/adjusted correctly and you still have a little 'sticky' joystick operation, you may try to rotate the joystick (i.e the center shaft) for 2-3 full rotations. It would release "the bite" between the inner ball and the outer ring of the spherical bearing. Many times you would find your rest/stick operation will be much smoother instantly by rotating the joystick.
Temperature difference can affect the tension, especially on the bearings.

*(Not necessarily needed for F-Class use as I found that the majority F-Class shooters want a more stiffer joystick action)

seb
www.sebrests.com

 

[Tim s]

The Ratigan model is way smoother than the standard model, because of no spring. But they all suffer in the cold and get sticky and hard to hit the exact spot you are looking for you pinning back and forth. That being said my Sinlair shooting stool would not move well either...... jim

A properly set up one, absolutely does not suffer from that at all.
We have no less than five, both with and without counterweights that shoot every week in our winter league without issue and that includes days at zero deg.

 

[johara1]

(Apart from the internals design, the components and the tolerance factor) It's smoother because the of counterweight (self balancing reason), how the tension is adjusted, and how the rotational resistance of the center shaft is adjusted. The uplift springs almost has nothing to do with the smoothness. The spring is basically a "substitute" for the counterweight.

I would recommend SEB rest users to check the rotational resistance of the center shaft periodically, so that it can be rotated with enough rotational resistance, not too tight but not too loose also.
(This can be easily checked by securing the joystick into the center shaft and then to rotate the joystick).
Loosening or tightening the small set screw on the bottom of the front bearing can change/adjust the tightness. Use 3mm allen wrench.
However do not change the factory setting if it's already about right.

For BR use*:
When the tension is set/adjusted correctly and you still have a little 'sticky' joystick operation, you may try to rotate the joystick (i.e the center shaft) for 2-3 full rotations. It would release "the bite" between the inner ball and the outer ring of the spherical bearing. Many times you would find your rest/stick operation will be much smoother instantly by rotating the joystick.
Temperature difference can affect the tension, especially on the bearings.

*(Not necessarily needed for F-Class use as I found that the majority F-Class shooters want a more stiffer joystick action)

seb
www.sebrests.com

Well with the tension screws backed off it is still sticky, I would guess it is the lube you use, it was cold enough a Sinclair stool would not go up or down. In moderate temps. it worked great..... jim

 

[seb]

is there a particular model of Seb that is favored for light rifle shooting? 3 inch forend. The Seb Ratigan looks good. Thanks

Thank you for your interest in the NEO rest!
The NEO Ratigan would serve you best for BR shooting, and if you still can wait. It's due to the demand which always exceeds my production rate even when we make 400-500 units at a time, so you will need to get on the waiting list. Mike Ratigan is the US dealer for the NEO Ratigan model, his contact info is under "Dealers" in my website.
Another way is to try to find one used such as from the classifieds.
Best,
seb
www.sebrests.com

 

[foxguy]

Thank you for your interest in the NEO rest!
The NEO Ratigan would serve you best for BR shooting, and if you still can wait. It's due to the demand which always exceeds my production rate even when we make 400-500 units at a time, so you will need to get on the waiting list. Mike Ratigan is the US dealer for the NEO Ratigan model, his contact info is under "Dealers" in my website.
Another way is to try to find one used such as from the classifieds.
Best,
seb
www.sebrests.com

Which model rest would you recommend for shooting long range Br 600-1000 yds.
I have a stock with a 4" wide forend.

 

[kneedtospeed]

A SEB MAX is instantly adjustable, for any stock up to 8" wide.
Ernie may have one in stock!

Mine has always been temperature insensitive

 

[seb]

Which model rest would you recommend for shooting long range Br 600-1000 yds.
I have a stock with a 4" wide forend.

MAX

 

[foxguy]

MAX

I see the Seb Neo with a 4" bag is also available, would it not work well?
Please elaborate a little on the Seb Neo vs Max for Long Range Benchrest.

Thanks.