So many out there.  Just looking for a bang for the buck and the one to stay away from.

A shooting chrony is the cheapest - I got it for about $70.
Had one for over a decade and to get the best out of it is understanding how it works
It's an opto based chronograph so it is crucial to give it a good contrasting background for it to detect the bullet. The velocity is calculated as the difference when the bullet passes over each opto sensor so it is important to fully unfold the chrony.
I used white coroplast fo rthe sky screens instead of the diffusers.
There is also a plug on the side that gives it additional functionality such as computing extreme spread, deviation etc.

i decided to go with a caldwell ballistic precision chronograph (Gen1).  It is also an opto and functions similar to the one that ren describes.

i decided that this was a better choice than the magnetospeed since i'll be using it for rifle and pistol.

using an opto chronograph also has an added advantage that most people don't consider.  you could potentially setup the chronograph at varying distances, which will help in calculating your ballistic coefficient.  the ballistic coefficient could then be used to create more accurate drop charts.  keep in mind that the caldwell allows the user to plug in a smart phone to record the data so you don't really need to be within viewing distance of the front display.

I got chrony also.
In fact I got 2 of them....I don't remember how or why.
It had something to do with 50 bucks and a bottle of glenfidich scotch

I got chrony also.
In fact I got 2 of them....I don't remember how or why.
It had something to do with 50 bucks and a bottle of glenfidich scotch

But after a few good belts of that scotch, you'd be moving too slow to register on any chrony!

I just started using the Caldwell. It has the LED shades but seems to work fine with the plastic shades. I plug the audio cord into my iPhone to capture the data. I was having problems with the chrono the first two times but has worked great today and last time. I can hit the 100 yard on the left side of the range but can only line up with the 50 on the right side. I weigh the unit down with the sandbag they have at the range.



My friend, Larry just bought himself a Labradar. Jealous...

I want a LabRadar

I have a Shooting Chrony, meh at best.  It works.... sometimes.

I also have a Magneto Speed.  Good stuff, but limited in it's uses.

Review here...  https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=3681.msg35300#msg35300

did I mention F@*k photobucket!

How far do you set up the chronograph from the table?

I think my friend had it too close....had a lot of "error" readings.  (He was shooting 308)

I also have a Magneto Speed.  Good stuff, but limited in it's uses.

+1 on Magneto Speed



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+1 on Magneto Speed



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+2 on Magneto Speed.

Finally figured out how to get it to work reliably on a .22.

+2 on Magneto Speed.

Finally figured out how to get it to work reliably on a .22.

Adjusting sensitivity?


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Adjusting sensitivity?


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Yes, you have to do that, too. I removed the rubber pad and strapped the bayonet directly to the barrel. Checked for clearances and tested. It worked perfectly every time without an error or missed shot.

So many out there.  Just looking for a bang for the buck and the one to stay away from.

==============
questions:

pistol, rifle or both?
covered or outdoor range use?

How far do you set up the chronograph from the table?
I think my friend had it too close....had a lot of "error" readings.  (He was shooting 308)

About ten feet. I had it too close earlier and was causing errors for the higher loads out of my varmint .223, probably from excessive blast. My AK and 300BLK have muzzle breaks so no problems. I haven't had any problems with my Mosin Nagant (.312") except when the wind knocked the chrono over. I have since perfected the sandbag weight on the tripod.

With the tripod, the limiting factor is the height and line of sight to the target. The far left table is flat in front and the slope increases to the right, especially past the RO office. However with my large stature, I have difficulty using the smaller tables that are more prevalent to the left.

Overall, the main problem is set up which takes 15 to 20 minutes. I haven't tried it yet during the 5-minute break. If I arrive on the weekends after 8 am, I'll have to use the first break to set up my targets, then use the next break for setting up the chrono in front of the table. Doable but a pain. Plus if the tables are full, it's harder to choose the best table. As with everything related to shooting, I'll likely upgrade next year.

Shoot from the prone on the left. Takes me a few mins to setup.

Truth is I haven't shot prone since Basic Training in the 80s. Perhaps I'll try it again some weekend.

==============
questions:

pistol, rifle or both?
covered or outdoor range use?

For both pistols and rifle and outside range. Thank guys very interesting info.

For both pistols and rifle and outside range. Thank guys very interesting info.

I say invest in a good chrono if you have or will get more pistols or rifles. There's even chronos that measures airsoft if you have a son that's into that. 

Yes, you have to do that, too. I removed the rubber pad and strapped the bayonet directly to the barrel. Checked for clearances and tested. It worked perfectly every time without an error or missed shot.

Yah one of my barrels are too thick. Even without the rubber, it wouldn't pick up any data so I had to turn up the sensitivity. Works good now