I have apparently been harboring more ill will towards my optical chronograph than I realized. One day after I first read about the new Garmin Xero C1, I lucked into one in-stock at the Cabela's website. It was delivered 4 days later (it would have been 3 days, but the delivery required a signature and I was out of town).

First impression: the thing is tiny.

Set up was simple as can be. The app for my phone logged on with my existing Garmin account.

I didn't get a chance to start working up a load for my .32 HR Marlin I have been interested in, so I just spent the afternoon at the range with my son enjoying the day.

Using the included tripod on the bench, it captured every round fired. All you do is point it down range and start shooting. There is a recommended separation from the muzzle (5-15 inches), but it really didn't matter as long as you are being reasonable. It was simple to save strings and move on.

The app is very basic. You get the basic statistics you expect: av. velocity, spread, std deviation, and max/min for the string. If you input bullet weight it calculates ft/lbs of energy. The app for my old chronograph also records temperature and barometric pressure. If you want that for the Garmin app, you have to pull it from some source and add it in the notes.

My son (11 years old) was the main user today recording his shots as he plinked at the steel targets and skeet on the berm. I think he was excited because he never gets to shoot across my optical chrono.

Not having to go forward of the firing line, combined with the ease of use means I am sold. I love that when working up a load, the focus can be on shooting groups. I get the velocity data without all the distractions of a traditional optical chronograph.

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I didn't think I needed another chronograph but I may have to change my mind.

Ditto

Ivan

Set up would sure be easier than going down range and then deciding on whether or not you need the sky screens and the possibility of putting a bullet through the chronograph (saw that happen once) or the sky screen. Yeah, I put a bullet through my screens once... so far.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Can not use it on our range. The firearm "must extend past the forward edge of the bench" . So to use it you would have to point it on a stand or something to meet the ranges requirements.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I have noticed that the Facebook shooting-related "equipment for sale" sites have become nothing but used LabRadar listings.

That shouldn't stop you at all. The chronograph needs to be behind the muzzle. Garmin says 5-15", but from my first use it, it is pretty forgiving.

Ok, maybe will get one when my sky screens wear out and quit working.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Same deal at my main indoor range where I have used the LabRadar many times.
Their benches are not concrete and slightly bouncy so I have the chrono on a tripod just behind the bench to one side.
Makes it a little clubby to operate but it works and I am slow anyway.
Those instruments don't like the muzzle blast and have a setting for how far away the gun is.
That number is used for calculating the initial muzzle velocity.
(Basically tells the chrono how far the bullet has gone before the unit is triggered acoustically).
LabRadar also specifies that revolver cylinder gaps need to be ahead of the unit.

If the Garmin is triggered by the radar return and not the acoustic blast, then that would be a major difference in the technology.
That acoustic triggering is one of the few weaknesses of the LabRadar IMHO and a major source of the "fussiness" some encounter.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Bought one from Cabela's as well. It seems to be a pretty good unit so far. Though it's crashed the value of my LabRadar that I've been trying to sell. I think LabRadar need to do some improvements with its offering if it plans to stay competitive with this new technology.

I'm waiting for mine from Garmin, which is probably still another couple of weeks out. I'll use mine almost exclusively indoors, so hopefully that won't be an issue for the unit.

This might be a good time to buy a used Lab Radar. I just want to use it outdoors for my bench rest loads. How is it for that application?

It works well for that application and has a pretty intuitive phone app as well. If you're really interested in one I'm selling mine. As new LabRadar, Soft Case, bipod w/ level and original box/instructions. $400 shipped to your location. No pressure. Just an option if you really want one.

All these are to pricey for this old boy. I have a skyscreen type that I paid $20.00 for at a yard sale. It works as I have loaned it to others.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I see they’re being scalped on ebay. There’s one with a $1100 buy it now price on it!

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

LOL I'm trying to sell my Caldwell G2 as well, as new condition. No pressure here either lmao.
Chronograph Caldwell G2 - Reduced

My Chrony Beta has served me well for over 10 years. But the Garmin is a really neat instrument. I would love to have one, but at that price I will keep on using my Chrony.