NOTE: This is an older article, but with the SW Nationals taking place last week, we thought our readers might enjoy a repeat view of a very rare and unique F-Class rig. This hybrid wood and aluminum stock is a “one-of-kind” custom, crafted by Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang, creator of the SEB Coaxial Rests and Coaxial Joystick Bipod.
Back in 2013, our friend Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang engineered an impressive wood and aluminum F-Class stock. The stock features a long, box-section aluminum fore-end with a wood rear section and wood-trimmed “wings” on the front bag-rider. The aluminum fore-arm has “buick vents” for weight reduction. From the end of the action rearward, the stock is mostly wood, with light and dark fancy wood laminates on opposite sides (left and right).
The foot of the buttstock has a very wide aluminum rear bag-rider with rails. The rear wood section appears to be two solid pieces of wood — but that is deceiving. Seb explains: “To save weight, the buttstock is hollow (using thin-walled wood)”. To strengthen the construction, Seb added carbon fiber inside the buttstock. So what you see is a wood outer shell with carbon fiber layers on the inside. The stock sports vertically-adjustable cheek-piece and buttplate. The thick, rubber buttpad should diminish felt recoil even when shooting big cartridges with heavy bullets.
This is an interesting, innovative stock design. And as with everything Seb produces, the craftsmanship, fit and finish are superb.
To go with this gun, Seb also crafted a handsome set of angled scope rails with beautifully-machined scope rings. Imagine being able to custom-make one-off products of this quality in your own machine shop!
Share the post "Best of Both Worlds — SEB’s One-of-a-Kind Hybrid F-Open Stock"
Interview with NBRSA 3-Gun and Tackdriver Champ Bart Sauter
Bullet-maker Bart Sauter is one of the world’s best benchrest shooters. He won the 2022 NBRSA 3-Gun National Championship this year, and he also has won the multi-class Tack Driver event two years in a row. Plus he has set small-group world record at 600 yards. In this very informative interview, Bart talks about bullets, equipment selection, match preparation, and shooting techniques. We think every benchrest shooter should watch this video.
Master at Work — Sauter in Action
If you want to see how a world-class bench shooter runs his rifle, check out this short video showing Bart Sauter in action. He runs five shots in about 9 seconds.
Interview with 6-Time Nat’l Long Range Champion John Whidden
CLICK HERE for full 81-minute interview with John Whidden.
John Whidden of Whidden Gunworks is one of the greatest American marksman in history. Shooting sling rifles, John has won the U.S. Long Range National Championship a remarkable six times. He has also won a Palma World Championship, and this summer John won the 2022 Smallbore Prone U.S. National Championship. While a humble individual, John has superb shooting skills and unrivaled mental toughness. In this interview, John talks about the challenges of competition and what motivates him to excel. John also talks about the products he has developed for Whidden Gunworks.
Interview with Tod Hendricks, 2021 F-Open National Champion
A member of Team Lapua/Brux/Borden, Tod Hendricks has been one of the most talented and consistent F-Open competitors for many years. He used his mental toughness and wind-reading skills to capture a National Championship in 2021. In this wide-ranging interview with his team-mate Erik Cortina, Tod reveals what it takes to win in F-Open these days, covering equipment, ammo quality, and match preparation.
Brux Barrels is a machine tool company located in Lodi, Wisconsin, specializing in premium, custom, cut-rifled barrels. Brux barrels have set some impressive benchrest records, and have won championships in multiple disciplines. In this video Erik Cortina interviews Ken Clemens of Brux. They discuss the production process at Brux, from the selection of top-quality steel blanks to the final hand-lapping procedures.
Interview with Lanny Bassham, Olympic Gold Medalist and Author
Erik Cortina recently interviewed noted author and Olympic Gold Medal-winning shooter Lanny Bassham. Erik asked Lanny about his book With Winning in Mind. Lanny discussed the “mental game” in the shooting sports and Lanny’s program for visualization of a winning performance. Lanny explains that after you have mastered your rifle skills, and learned to read the wind, it is important to adopt a winning mentality and to visualize success. Lanny should know. He won a shooting Gold Medal in the Olympics along with 22 world individual and team titles.
Interview with Lindsey Paul, Queen of 2 Miles
Lindsey Paul is the only women to win the King of Two Miles ELR competition, becoming the first-ever QUEEN of Two Miles, shooting a .375 CheyTac. In 2021, the talented lady Texan beat a field of top competitors, including past KO2M Champions, all guys. Lindsey had a truly outstanding performance, including 3 hits in 5 shots at the max distance, 2.0 miles (3520 yards). In this interview, Lindsey, who works in the law enforcement field, talks about the Extreme Long Range (ELR) game, and she also explains what it’s like to shoot the heavy-recoiling .375 CheyTac.
Interview with Frank Galli — Founder of Sniper’s Hide
The founder of the popular Sniper’s Hide Forum, Frank Galli is an online pioneer and living legend in the tactical shooting sports world. A former U.S. Marine Scout-Sniper, Frank (aka “Lowlight”) runs a very active Forum with over 180,000 members. Along with moderating his Forum, Frank runs training clinics and hosts regular podcasts. Frank is also the author of the book Precision Rifle Marksmanship: The Fundamentals, an excellent resource for PRS/NRL competitors as well as tactical marksmen.
BONUS Videos — Two Great Tech and Reloading Videos
How to Find Jam Point on your Barrel
Loading for F-Class
Erik Cortina produces his own line of EC Barrel Tuners and Tuner Brakes. These have been used successfully by many top shooters. View the full line of Cortina Precision products at: ShootSmallGroups.com.
Share the post "Saturday at the Movies: Cortina Interviews World-Class Shooters"
Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang, the brilliant designer/builder of SEB Shooting Rests, is also one darn good shooter, as demonstrated at a recent major rifle competition in Australia. Shooting at multiple yardages from 300 to 1000 yards, Seb won the Queens Series F-Open title, and finished third overall in the Duncan & Queens Series Grand Agg. That’s mighty good marksmanship considering it was done with an F-Open rifle Seb had just acquired and never shot before! Congrats to Seb for his outstanding performance!
One of the factors in Seb’s success was an all-new front rest that Seb designed and crafted himself. This new SEB NEO-X rest has many advanced features including a swivel-adjusting head, a wide footprint, and the ability to fold-up for easier transport. We have a full report on the impressive NEO-X rest in this story, with bench testing videos by F-Class John.
The 2022 QRA Duncan & Queens Series in Australia
Report by Sebastian Lambang
This was my first overseas travel since the Berger Southwest Nationals in early 2020 [right before the COVID-19 shutdowns]. Three years ago I participated in the WARA Queens 2019 in Perth shooting the F-TR, and this was my second F-Open match in Australia. Usually I shoot the F-TR division. However this year I was invited to shoot the F-Open in the QRA Queens 2022 by Jason Mayers, my Australian dealer. Jason has been my “Little Big Brother” and my best friend in Australia. So why not? Let’s just do it!
Jason has two, twin F-Open guns. I bought one and used it during this match. Chambered for 7mm RSAUM, this F-Open rifle features a Barnard action, Marty Lobert trigger, Bartlein barrel with a large tuner in the front, McMillan Kestros ZR stock, and a Nightforce scope. I was shooting 7mm 180gr Berger bullets.
Jason did all of the load development, provided the ammunition and all equipment needed to shoot. The rifle shot and tracked very well — I loved it! Yes, I used a NEO-X prototype unit during the Queens match, i.e. the one that Jason used during the Duncan matches. The second unit just came in the day before the Queens started, it is set for left-handed shooter like him. I used his NEO rest during the Duncan Series.
We had various conditions during the match, from sunny, misty and rainy, to dead calm conditions and switchy wind. I was very fortunate to be able to pick the right time and shot well in the final 900 and 1000-yard stages, winning both yardages! With those results at 900/1000 I finished first in the Queens Match in F-Open. I then finished third overall in the Duncan & Queens Series F-Open Grand Aggregate.
Jason Mayers (L) and Seb Lambang (R). Seb had never shot this F-Open rifle before he piloted it to victory in the 2022 QRA Queens match.
Overcoming Challenges — Rifle Suffers Trigger Failure
I had a trigger failure which caused my score to drop by at least 2 points in the 1000-yard session just before the final day. I dropped 4 points in a good condition and it made me really upset! But huge thanks must go to Mark Fairbairn. Mark helped me to fix the rifle and loaned me a trigger so I still had a few minutes to finish the string!
After that trigger problem I chose to not give up! I hoped for a miracle, to be able to choose the right time to start to shoot (wind wise), to be good enough in reading the current conditions and to get the best possible scores! Jason’s encouragement in the morning that I could still win the match really helped boost my motivation! I do not know why or how but I retained confidence to shoot well and to win the match.
Thanks to Family, Friends, and Fellow Competitors
My sincere thanks to my lovely wife Lily who always supports and loves me as what I am all the time! Thanks again to my Little Big Brother Jason Mayers who has always helped and supported me genuinely! Without his help and support I wouldn’t have been able to win the match so it’s a more about him than me. My Thanks to QRA and all of the Match Organizers, Range Officers, Staffers, and Volunteers during the championship. My thanks also to all competitors and for the warmth and generous welcome!
Thoughts about the New NE0-X from its Inventor
I am really happy that the NEO-X works as expected, too. I think my effort to make even a better rest has been paid off. The New NEO-X combines the best features from the NEO rest and Mini rest in one package with a few extra features. The new NEO-X is designed for those who seek a light-compact rest and want the best one!
Great Scores Shot by Seb Lambang with new NEO-X Front Rest
Seb shot superbly to win the Queens Series in F-Open Division and take third overall in the combined Duncan and Queens Series Grand Aggregate. Here are two of Seb’s targets, as electronically logged — 1000 yards on the left, 600 yards on the right. NOTE: In Australia, the maximum numerical ring points value is 6, not 10 as in North America. But the center-most ring does register “X” as here. The match included targets shot at 300, 500, 600, 900, and 1000 yards.
Bench Testing with SEB NEO-X Prototype — VERY Impressive
Our friend F-Class John recently received one of the very first NEO-X prototypes sent to North America. John assembled the impressive new rest and took it to the range for testing. John was very impressed with the new rest to say the least. He told us: “This really is state-of-the art. I’m very impressed with how it folds compactly for transport, yet is extremely stable, with a nice open platform in the rear.” John noted that the swivel top allows precise alignment with your targets, even if the rest is not positioned perfectly on the ground. That helps when a shooter needs to set up quickly at a new yardage during a match.
When testing with his 7mm F-Open rifle, John noted that the rest is very solid on the bench and does not bump or wobble. See his observations in this exclusive test video:
Commentary by F-Class John
Here’s my quick review after shooting off the NEO-X prototype a couple times. It’s AMAZINGLY STABLE. The way it unfolds not only makes for a wide and stable footprint, but it also leaves lots of room for the shooter to work with, while controlling the joystick.
Another cool thing is that you don’t, technically, even have to lock the bridge down. The bridge is 100% stable after moving it up or down and the lock is more academic than anything.
The swivel head is a feature people will have seen on other rests but the way you can shoose to leave it swiveled or locked down is great. This new NEO-X is going to change things, I have no doubt.
Unboxing SEB NE0-X Prototype
John noted: “The way the NEO-X folds up is amazing, perfect for transporting. It weighs under 20 pounds fully loaded with all parts, joystick, and control arm.”
Share the post "Sunday Gunday: SEB Wins in Australia with New NEO-X Rest"
Sebastian Lambang of SEBrests.com has done it again. He’s taken his very successful SEB Mini front tripod rest, and made it even better, with multiple enhancements. He calls the enhanced front rest the SEB “Mini-X”. This new Mini-X has some very impressive features, including a new, improved top bag and new tilt-adjustable fittings on the legs. The new Mini-X is currently featured on Seb’s Facebook Page
On the end of each legs are angle adjustments, which Seb calls an “ankle”. This allows the foot-pads to remain flat on uneven (non-level) ground. Each foot adjusts separately using a locking lever. You can adjust the angle and height in seconds using the blue locking lever and blue height adjustment wheel. See adjustment process in animated GIF photo below left:
New Configurable Side-Plate Design
For the new Mini-X, Seb changed the design of the side plates securing the sandbag: “The plates can be adjusted so the user can rotate the thin outer side plate to place the tension screw on either the lower or higher position. The old one is on the lower position. This screw height placement can make a difference on the side bag’s tension. The higher position would keep the stock in place — not moving up during recoil. In F-Class that is OK. People can use the lower holes for Benchrest Competitions.” Seb says the new-design side plates also have smoother, rounded edges.
Seb tells us the new Mini-X weighs 5.5kg (12.1 pounds) with sandbag empty. That makes it much easier to carry/transport that some heavy front rests.
Here are the new SEB Mini-X and standard Mini side-by-side. In the middle, you can see the new Mini-X side-plate with multiple holes for tension screw.
Standard Mini Rest Improvements
The original SEB Mini rest also has some enhancements for 2021. A new bag is available, and the height adjustment screws are now angled 10 degrees. This allows the adjustment shaft to be more vertical (straight up and down). That should make the height adjustments work more smoothly and adapt better to uneven ground. Here are recent photos from the factory. Note how the sandbag is lower in the center. This is designed to prevent the center “hump” that can form over time in conventional bags. A hump in the middle can prevent the stock from riding evenly, which can, in turn, allow rocking. This new bag should provide a better engagement on the sides of a flat-bottomed competition stock. We also expect improved tracking. F-Class bag is shown. There is also a benchrest bag version.
Share the post "New SEB Mini-X Front Rest — Impressive New Features"
We first ran this story a few seasons back. Since then we’ve received many questions about this gun, so we thought we’d give readers another chance to learn about this truly innovative, switch-barrel “convertible” rifle. This gun works for both short-range (100/200) and long-range (500-1000 yd) benchrest matches.
You interested in a truly innovative bench gun that can shoot both short-range and long-range matches? Check out Seb Lambang’s original “do-it-all” rifle. This switch-barrel rifle combined two very different chamberings: 6 PPC and .284 Winchester. With that caliber combo, Seb’s covered from 100 yards (LV/HV mode) all the way out to 1000 (LR Light Gun mode). But the dual chambering is not the rifle’s only trick feature. Exploiting the long-range benchrest rules on stock designs, Seb has fitted a 3″-wide, flat rear metal keel to the buttstock. That counter-balances his 30″-long 7mm barrel, improves tracking, and adds stability. Seb built the stock and smithing was done by Australian gunsmith David Kerr.
Detachable Hammerhead Wing Section Plus Fat-Bottom Keel
To further reduce torque and improve tracking, the stock features an 8″-wide, detachable fore-end fixture. This “hammerhead” fore-end section has extended “wings” on both sides, making the rifle super-stable. The hammerhead unit can be removed, leaving the stock 3″ wide for use in registered benchrest matches where 3″ is the maximum width. The photos below show Seb’s gun in .284 Win Long-Range (LR) Light Gun mode, complete with front wings and rear keel.
Yes This Rig Shoots … In Both Configurations, Long-Range and Short
Seb has already used his switch-caliber, switch-barrel rig successfully in competition. Seb tells us: “The gun shot and tracked real well either in 6 PPC LV/HV mode or in .284 Win LG mode. I love it! Back in 2015, with this gun I placed Top 10 for the Two-Gun at the Harry Madden Championship in Brisbane, Australia just a few days ago and took the silver medal for the 500m Flyshoot with the .284 Win on the next day. So who says a switch-barrel rifle can’t (or doesn’t) work?” And get this, Seb finished the stock just four days before the Brisbane match. He glued-in the action the evening before the match and shot it the next day in competition. Pretty impressive we’d say….
6 PPC and .284 Win Convertible Rifle Specifications
Action: Stolle Panda Short Action (glue-in plus front/rear alum. pillars), Right Bolt, Right Port, Right Eject, .473 bolt face.
LV/HV Weight: Rifle weighs 10.4 lbs in 6 PPC mode (no keel, no front wings).
LV/HV Barrel: Krieger 21.5″ OAL, 6mm (6 PPC, .270″ neck), 1:14″ twist.
Light Gun Weight: 15.5 lbs in .284 Mode with 3″ rear aluminum keel and 8″ fore-end attachment.
Light Gun Barrel: Maddco 30″ OAL, 7mm (.284 Win, .316″ neck), 1:9″ twist.
Metal: Home-made, one-piece scope base with +15 MOA scope rings.
Seb Lambang — Indonesian Innovator
Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang is the designer/builder of the innovative SEB Coaxial rests, some of the best joystick rests on the market. The SEB Mini is a remarkable design — very compact but solid enough to win F-Class matches. And the SEB Neo Rest has become the go-to choice for short-range and long-range benchrest. The NEO folds flat for transport, yet offers extended vertical and horizontal travel and a rest top that can adjust from roughly 2″ wide to over 6″ in width. This Editor uses a SEB Neo for both bench and F-Class shooting and it is my favorite joystick rest. Here’s a video review of the SEB Mini, filmed at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix:
Seb is actually in the USA right now, competing at the Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN). No he’s not shooting his radical Hammerhead at Ben Avery this year — he’s got a more conventional F-TR rig. He is shooting with the Int’l Pickup F-TR team coached by Dean Wheeler. In the 2/6/2020 Team Palma match, Seb finished with high score for his team, 438-9X.
ADDENDUM — Seb Succeeds at SWN in Sharpshooter Division:
Seb just posted this report from the Berger SW Nationals in Phoenix: “Proud to get first place in Sharpshooter Class in the Long Range Day 1 Aggregate. Super tough F-CLASS match against lots of the best shooters in the USA and some other countries. Thanks a bunch to my gunsmith Alex Wheeler who did a really great job, [providing a] super-smooth timed action. Thanks also to Tom Mousel who did a great job with the super-accurate ammo! Thanks to Will McCloskey for the best laminate wood rifle stock on the market. The rifle shoots GREAT. I really enjoy this match!”. Here is Seb on the firing line at Ben Avery. The rifle rests on the SEB Joy-Pod joystick bipod he created.
[NOTE: The NRA has multiple divisions: High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. The most elite level is High Master.]
Share the post "Sunday GunDay: Seb’s Hammerhead Dual-Discipline Rifle"
It’s not often when a gun accessory designer/builder shoots a high-level international competition and finishes on the podium. Well Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang did just that recently, earning the Silver Medal for finishing second overall (F-TR) at the West Australian Rifle Association (WARA) Queens Prize Meeting at the Pinjar Range in Western Australia. Seb shot in F-TR division, piloting a handsome new .308 Win rifle supplied by Seb’s Aussie friend Jason Mayers, the F-TR Match winner. Here is Seb’s account of his visit to Perth, Australia to shoot the WARA Queens Match. SEE Match Results HERE.
WARA Queens Prize Meeting in Western Australia Report by Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang
My wife Lily and I arrived in Perth, Australia, on September 23, two days before the competition began. At first, I wanted to attend the Australian Nationals in Brisbane which I have participated in before. I thought that would be bigger and more exciting than the WARA Queens. However, I received a recommendation from Jason Mayers to participate in the Queens instead. I was told that more shooters would come to this match because there would be a State team match and pre-qualification for the World Championship.
About the Pinjar Shooting Range in Perth, Australia
The Pinjar shooting range near Perth (on Australia’s West Coast) is excellent both in its facilities and management. Ranging from ample parking space, clean toilets, spacious hall and canteen, wailing walls, water reservoir, very nice electronic targets etc, they have it all. It even offers a special preparation area for fouling shots on the far right side of the range.
The Target boards downrange are at 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 meters from right to left. One interesting thing about Pinjar is that all the firing stations are along the same horizontal track. Shooters only need to move sideways to change the shooting distance — e.g. from 300 to 500 or from 600 to 800.
Twin Rifles for Seb and F-TR Match Winner Jason Mayers
My rifle is one of the two identical builds put together by Jason Mayers with the help of some local gunsmiths and shooters. This rifle, loaded with moly-coated Berger 200gr Hybrids, shot like a laser.
Both Seb and F-TR match winner Jason Mayers used the new, prototype ski-feet on their Joy-pods.
The stock was designed over a period of time with local stock maker Robert Eager based in Goulbourn, NSW, Australia. Jason worked with Bob over several years trialing various shapes until they settled on the design seen in the photos. The stocks are made from Spalted Blackbean wood.
For the twin rifles, Barnard actions were chosen and Bartlein 1:10″-twist .308 barrels were fitted to both by Matt Parroz of LRP Solutions. The barrels are chambered for Berger 200gr Hybrids. Both rifles are running moly-coated projectiles. Huntsman Tuners, made in Brisbane, are fitted to both rifles.
Impressive F-TR Second Place for Seb at 2019 WARA Queens Match
Here F-TR Silver Medal Winner Seb Lambang (466.22V) stands with F-TR Match Winner Jason Mayers (469.38V). They shot identical .308 Win rifles!
“Thank you my brother Jason Mayers who took care of everything for me, and shared your knowledge[.] Without your help I wouldn’t have been able to place 2nd in the WARA Queens F-TR! Congratulations on your 1st place Jason, it was absolutely outstanding! I am sure this is the toughest and biggest F-TR match in Australia ever held so far … with the best Australian shooters qualifying for the Worlds. Congratulations to all winners in the WARA Queens! See you again next time!” — Seb Lambang
About SEB Products — Coaxial Rests, Joystick Bipods, Accessories
Seb told AccurateShooter: “I always try to make my products better over time, not just keeping them ‘as is’. Quality has and always been my top priority. I am grateful that many friends around the world always willing to help through their input, suggestions, and field testing. I am also grateful for what we have achieved today. Yes there have been some who copied my rests and bipod but people know which one has the best value for them. My thanks to all our loyal customers around the world!”
SEB Max rest set for 1200 yards in Coonabarrabran, Australia (Jenni Hausler photo).
Share the post "Sunday GunDay: Seb Succeeds at WARA Match in Australia"
Our friend Sebastian “SEB” Lambang, creator of the great SEB Coaxial Rests, Joystick Bipods (“JoyPods”), and SEB MINI Coaxial tripod rests, is working on a new front bag design. He has released photos of his new, prototype front bag system for the top-of-the-line NEO Rest.
Seb notes: “We are experimenting with a new bag for our SEB NEO rest, particularly for F-Open Class with the heavy 22-lb rifles. This new bag is sewn down the middle, slick enough for the purpose, and made from a much tougher material. The bottom/horizontal bag has two separate compartments on the left and right sides to prevent sand migration. For the production version I think I will use black instead of silver.”
Do you like the new design? Do you have any suggestions on how it could be enhanced? Seb is looking to get shooters’ feedback on this new bag design. You can post comments on Seb’s Facebook page.
New F-Class and Benchrest Front Bags for SEB MINI
Seb will also be offering a new similar bag for his excellent (and very popular) SEB MINI tripod front rest. There will be a sewn-in-middle F-Class version (see right below), as well as a flat-top, conventional bag for registered benchrest matches. Due to differences in the equipment rules, Seb notes: “The sewn-in-middle front bag can be used for F-CLASS matches. However, be sure to not use the F-CLASS bag (sewn down in the middle) for official Benchrest matches.”
COMMENT: The advantage to the Stitched-in-Middle front bag design is that the bag will never develop a hump in the middle that can cause your stock to rock a little (or sit at a slight tilt). If you are not shooting in restricted competition, Seb’s new bag design could prove beneficial — providing a more optimal front support. We don’t have the dimensions of Seb’s center-sewn front bags, but we suspect a version might fit other brands of front rests, such as Sinclair or Bald Eagle (Grizzly).
Share the post "New Front Bags for SEB NEO and MINI Rests — Input Wanted"
Army of Minis getting ready to conquer the world (well at least the world of shooting).
The Minis are Coming! The Minis are Coming!
Good new for fans of the SEB Mini coaxial tripod rest. This superb compact joystick rest has been in high demand, creating a long waiting period. Now scores of bright new Minis are being readied for shipment to the USA, Canada, and other nations. On Monday, July 13, Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang posted a Facebook photo of Minis getting ready to ship. That inspired scores of “likes” from Seb’s Facebook fans including action-maker Jim Borden and past F-Class National Champ James Crofts. Larry Bartholome, another former F-Class Champion, wrote: “Hey SEB — people are looking forward to more Mini Mondays!”
Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang’s SEBRests.com team is shipping these out worldwide to meet demand. The great thing about the Mini is that it folds up into a small package, making it much easier to transport than a conventional coaxial front rest such as the Seb NEO or Farley.
Responding to Seb’s Facebook post, Todd Banks posted this photo with the comment “Love my Mini!”:
SEB Mini in Action at Berger Southwest Nationals
Even though the Mini is compact and relatively light weight, it is very stable and gives up very little in performance to a full-sized joystick front rest such as the SEB NEO. Our Systems Admin Jay Christopherson uses a SEB Mini. In the 2017 Berger SWN, Jay finished Second in F-Open Class just one point behind winner David Gosnell, thereby proving the SEB Mini is “competition ready”. Jay reports: “I’m glad I had the SEB Mini — it worked great and was much easier to transport and carry from position to position.” Here’s Jay using the SEB Mini to drill a string of Xs with his .284 Winchester F-Open rifle.
Carry Bag for SEB Mini
With the success of the SEB Mini, Seb Lambang has designed some accessories. Here is a prototype carry package, the Mini Transporter. This compact bag will hold a Mini even with big F-Class feet attached.
Share the post "SEB Mini Front Rests Are On Their Way to the USA…"
NOTE: This is an older article, but with the F-Class National Championships underway this week in Raton, NM, we thought our readers might enjoy this view of a very rare and unique F-Class rig. This hybrid wood and aluminum stock is a “one-of-kind” custom, crafted by Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang, creator of the SEB Coaxial Rests and Coaxial Joystick Bipod.
Back in 2013, our friend Seb Lambang engineered an impressive wood and aluminum F-Class stock. The stock features a long, box-section aluminum fore-end with a wood rear section and wood-trimmed “wings” on the front bag-rider. The aluminum fore-arm has “buick vents” for weight reduction. From the end of the action rearward, the stock is mostly wood, with light and dark fancy wood laminates on opposite sides (left and right).
The foot of the buttstock has a very wide aluminum rear bag-rider with rails. The rear wood section appears to be two solid pieces of wood — but that is deceiving. Seb explains: “To save weight, the buttstock is hollow (using thin-walled wood)”. To strengthen the construction, Seb added carbon fiber inside the buttstock. So what you see is a wood outer shell with carbon fiber layers on the inside. The stock sports vertically-adjustable cheek-piece and buttplate. The thick, rubber buttpad should diminish felt recoil even when shooting big cartridges with heavy bullets.
This is an interesting, innovative stock design. And as with everything Seb produces, the craftsmanship, fit and finish are superb.
To go with this gun, Seb also crafted a handsome set of angled scope rails with beautifully-machined scope rings. Imagine being able to custom-make one-off products of this quality in your own machine shop!
Share the post "Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Wood and Aluminum F-Class Stock"
The new SEB Mini joystick (coaxial) pedestal rest has been a huge success. Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang’s SEBRests.com team is shipping these out worldwide to meet demand. The great thing about the Mini is that it folds up into a small package, making it much easier to transport than a conventional coaxial front rest such as the Seb NEO or Farley. Shown above is an army of Minis getting ready to conquer the world (well at least the world of shooting).
Even though the Mini is compact and relatively light weight, it is very stable and gives up very little in performance to a full-sized joystick front rest such as the SEB NEO. At the Berger SW Nationals last month, our Systems Admin Jay Christopherson used a SEB Mini. Jay finished Second in F-Open Class just one point behind winner David Gosnell, thereby proving the SEB Mini is “competition ready”.
Jay reports: “I’m glad I had the SEB Mini — it worked great and was much easier to transport and carry from position to position.” Here’s a short video of Jay using the SEB Mini to drill a string of Xs with his .284 Winchester F-Open rifle.
New Carry Bag for SEB Mini
With the success of the SEB Mini, Seb Lambang has already started designing some new accessories. Here is a prototype carry package, the Mini Transporter. You can see this compact bag will hold a Mini even with big F-Class feet attached. Seb says: “I’m experimenting with soft case for Mini rest… Your thoughts?” We think Seb should certainly offer this case for sale. Post your thoughts in the comment section below.
SEB Mini with large disc feet attached still fits in bag.
Share the post "Invasion of the Minis — Compact Joystick Pedestal Rest from SEB"
SEB Rests, producers of the SEB NEO rest and innovative JoyPod bipod, have released an all-new, portable tripod-base Co-Axial rest, the SEB Mini. This is a very impressive bit of engineering by Sebastian Lambang. Weighing about 12 pounds, the SEB Mini is easy to transport yet stable and versatile in the field. A joystick lever-arm allows the shooter to move the front head (with sandbag) in any direction with a smooth continuous motion. The Mini delivers about 30 MOA vertical travel by 45 MOA horizontal travel with the same smooth, fluid feel as the NEO rest.
The Mini is now in full production and testers in the USA and UK have returned very positive test results. The Mini combines the smooth controls of a full-size Co-Axial front rest, yet is much easier to transport. Based on reports from testers Dan Bramley and Vince Bottomley, we predict the Mini will become extremely popular with F-Open competitors as well as all shooters currently using pedestal-style front rests for recreational shooting or load testing. Price for the complete unit (with front bag) is $675.00 shipped in the lower 48 states.
Inventor Seb Lambang told us his design goals in creating the Mini, which was named after “Mini” his pet Chihuahua: “The Mini rest is designed to be simple, compact, and light. It has has equal smoothness and MOA travel as the larger NEO rest.”
The new SEB Mini is a joystick (coaxial) rest with a height-adjustable single center column fitted on a base with three foldable legs. The top can be rotated 360 degrees and locked securely by the two adjustable locking levers. The lowest setting is about 6.25″, the highest is just over 10″. The SEB Mini can be used for F-Class shooting, bench rest shooting, varmint shooting, or load development. The joystick handle is compatible with the SEB NEOs and MAX co-axial rests. The Mini ships complete with a one-piece front sandbag in the buyer’s choice of width.
Key Features:
12-lb carry weight
Large Footprint, yet very portable
Legs adjust with individual thumbwheels
Mariner Wheel offers 40mm of Vertical Adjustment
Measures 5″ x 7″ x 16.25″ when folded
Lowest height approx 6.25″, highest 10″ or more
Head can be rotated independent of base assembly (to assist alignment)
Head unit can be purchased separately and fitted to different tripod base.
SEB Mini REVIEW by Dan Bramley:
Sebastian Lambang, the creator of the ever-popular SEB NEO and SEB MAX co-axial front rest, was kind enough to send me a SEB Mini for review. The point of this review is to give a shooter’s perspective. I will just say that the adjustments and movements are plenty sufficient to shoot in F-Class in High Power and rimfire.
Positives: The SEB Mini has all of the fine craftsmanship of the NEO. The fit and finish is excellent. This thing is SOLID! When the screws are all locked down it does not budge. The engineering is excellent and well thought-out. It comes in at 12.0 lbs with sand in bag and ready to shoot. To me this weight appears to be optimal, light enough to travel with but heavy enough to be stable.
Shootability: For me shooting off the SEB Mini was no different than shooting off the SEB NEO. The fluid motion of the coaxial top and stability were consistant with the NEO. Set-up was quick and the ability to set it down in reasonably close alignment and release the clamps on the Acme screw to allow perfect rest alignment was a nice feature. Course adjustment was quick with the large mariner wheel and the joystick has the same size collet as the NEO for those who may have made custom joysticks.
I shot my rimfire off of it at first, on concrete, and it didn’t move at all. No surprise there. So I figured I would shoot my biggest rifle off of it in an attempt to punish this little “Mini”.
Conclusion: This thing is just awesome! It folds up quite compact and would likely fit in a bag, instead of a pelican case, for travel. I have often thought of shooting my open rifle off of a JoyPod when traveling by air but that requires a rail etc. for mounting. I would not hesitate to shoot off this Mini in competition.
Vince Bottomley Tests the New Seb Mini
Our friend Vince Bottomley acquired a Seb Mini and had a chance to test it out in competition at the Diggle Range in the UK. Vince was very impressed with the Mini, which he says is very solid and smooth running, yet easy to set up. Vince used his new Mini to win a match, proving the unit is “competition-ready”: “When you do a range test like this, it’s always great if you can post a decent result and I’m pleased to be able to report that I won Open Class….”
Vince liked the smooth operation and broad windage/elevation adjustment range offered by the Mini:
“The joystick offers plenty of movement at 600 yards so staying on target throughout the shoot was no problem and, more importantly, I could swing onto my competitors’ targets as a final wind-check. Each of the three legs has its own ‘angle’ adjustment — enabling you to obtain a steady, level set-up on the most uneven of firing-points. The center pedestal can be raised and lowered using a mariner wheel and of course, there is the familiar joystick adjustment.”
Vince said it was easy to level the Mini and align the head with his rear bag: “Drop it on the point, then level the bubble using the leg-adjuster thumb-screws (photo right). Because the screws are at the pivot point they move the legs very quickly — as opposed to screwing the feet to level a NEO. Wind up the mariner wheel to get on target, nip up the locking levers and the rest is perfectly aligned, thanks to the swiveling head.”
Vince also liked the fact that the Mini is significantly lighter than a SEB NEO rest, but still stable because it has a wide footprint. See the comparison photo below.
Vince tells us that the Mini is truly easy to transport: “I’ve fixed a strap to my Mini so, by slinging it over my shoulder, I can carry rifle, mat and back-bag with ease — so that’s a big ‘plus’ right off.”
Conclusion: “The SEB Mini lived up to expectations and ticked all the boxes –lighter to carry, easy to set up, plenty of adjustment, very stable. Thank you Seb… You have a winner here!” — Vince Bottomley
Product Information from SEB Rests:
The complete SEB Mini includes Head unit, foldable legs, fore-end stop, aluminum bag bracket (with bubble level), joystick, leveling screws, and front bag. The base features three foldable legs, each of which can be adjusted/tilted for elevation via a thumb screw. We recommend setting the base/legs in the highest position initially, then lowering each leg via the thumb screws.
The Mini is offered in three (3) configurations. The complete Mini with base, foldable legs, and carry case is $800.00, including shipping to the lower 48 States. For considerable less there are two legless options. Option 1 is the Mini without the foldable legs. This could work for customers who may wish to fit the top to a solid base plate. Option 2 includes just the head unit with center post, mariner wheel and needle thrust bearing. Option 2 could suit customers who already have a Bald Eagle or Caldwell base with 1″ diameter center hole/post. However some machining may be required. Call Ernie Bishop at 307-257-7431 for current option prices and availability.
Net weight approx. 5.5 kilograms (12 lbs)
Top can be rotated 360° and locked securely in any position
Measures 5″ x 7″ x 16.25″ when folded
Joystick is compatible with SEB NEO, MAX and JoyPod
Lowest height approx 6.25″, highest 10″ or more
Foldable legs can be individually adjusted up/down with thumb screws
Extra wide footprint, leveling screws are about 17 inches apart
Ambidextrous, and can be used either “Up for Up” or “Up for Down”
Made from 6061 and 7075 aircraft grade aluminum
Head has removable fore-end stop
Standard fold-able base for traveling with tiltable legs
Comes with standard one-piece 3″-wide front bag 3″ wide (Optional bags*: 2-1/4″, wide sporter (for 1.5″-2″ stock), narrow sporter (for 1″-1.5″ stock)
For more information, visit SEBRests.com. The USA dealer is Ernie Bishop:
Here’s something you’ve never seen before, a joy-stick (coaxial) bipod with a front counter-weight. This one-of-a-kind “JoyPod” was produced by Seb Lambang for our friend Darrell Buell. With a very porky ultra-long-range rifle to support, Darrell needed a JoyPod that wouldn’t sink under a heavy load.
Seb explains: “This is the world’s first Joypod equipped w/ an adjustable counterweight, to balance his 75-lb gun. I did some experiments and put some weights ranging up to 60+ lbs on the top, and I found that the joystick action works like a regular one….it’s smooth, light, and precise. In addition, the counterweight can be bent down to not interfere with the bottom of the barrel. I would guess Darrell would only need one ‘ring’ for his 75-lb gun. He can move the ring back and forth to find the best balance. Once the gun is on the bipod, it would only take a few minutes to tune or find the balance. The counterweight is secured into the front center shaft by a thumb screw, and there is a tightly fitted pivotal joint on the counterweight to allow angle adjustment.”
“The joystick offers plenty of movement at 600 yards so staying on target throughout the shoot was no problem and, more importantly, I could swing onto my competitors’ targets as a final wind-check. Each of the three legs has its own ‘angle’ adjustment — enabling you to obtain a steady, level set-up on the most uneven of firing-points. The center pedestal can be raised and lowered using a mariner wheel and of course, there is the familiar joystick adjustment.”
