Chrnographs, What's Everybody Using ?

[Nick B]

My 15 year old Pact is heading to the junk pile . Took it out last week and couldn't get it read at all . It's been a pain for a long while and from reviews I've read their company CS is the worst in the industry .
So what's everyone else using that is giving good results ?

 

[armadillo]

Oehler is making their mod 35 again, but it costs double what the others do.

I have a CED which works well for me. I want one that has a display that I can set beside me on the bench where I can see it.

 

[Alk8944]

Oehler 35P. I have had mine over 20 years and finally had to replace the ink roller in the printer. Other than that, a few Sky Screen cases and diffusers that interfered with the passage of a bullet from time to time. Other than the ink roller everything else was self imposed.

 

[Bart 44]

Oehler 35P.

Dennis.

 

[cerberus65]

I got a ProChrono about 5 months ago. So far it has worked pretty well. The only time I've had any trouble was when I tried to use it when it was sprinkling just a bit. I'd prefer a setup where the sensors and the computer were separate but I decided that was less important than getting something made in the U.S.

ProChrono Digital Chronograph

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
Each time up north there I get out my "least expensive" Chrony that only shows FPS on the screen. Fire my 7 - 10 rounds and I am happy with the info I have.
Should I ever put a shot through that old rig I am not out any big money and all I need is right there on the screen.
Mike in Peru

 

[blujax01]

DILLON!!!

Oops, sorry - wrong thread ...

 

[2hawk]

CED. As noted above, it's nice to have the "brains" and the readout right on the bench next to you. Also makes it a less expensive proposition to fix, if or when those "sighting errors" occur.

 

[Bob L]

Are there any chronographs that directly run off of your laptop?

 

[rockquarry]

chronographs

I know nothing about the newer PACT chronographs, but I started using one more than twenty years ago and it served well for a long time. As I recall, it was slightly more sensitive to light conditions than the Oehler 35P that I purchased around the same time and am still using. The Oehler may be expensive, but if you use a chronograph a lot, it's well worth the cost.

 

[McShooty]

I had a PACT, not the most expensive one, for years and it worked well. One day I plunked an 85-grain slug from a .32 top break into the rear sensor unit. (Ha, Ha!) Then I found I could not buy a replacement sensor unit from PACT. Had to buy the whole rack with both sensors for many bucks. Has anyone out there been able to buy replacement sensors for PACT?

I elected to get an F1 Chrony, since I am accident prone, but you have to buy also the remote control unit if you want to list individual shots and statistics. You will still be under 100 bucks. It is compact and very reliable if you keep it out of bright, angled sun, but the diffuser structure, three pieces of white plastic, four rods and two connectors at each end, is a PITA.

 

[Wayne M]

The cheapest Chrony I could buy over 20 years ago is still going strong and checks up against my friends Oehler right down the line. Have to replace my pen and paper occasionally but the Chrony is right on.

 

[Goldstar225]

Still using the Chrony with remote display that I bought several years ago. My only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner.

 

[Norsky]

F1 Chrony for quick setup and testing. I have found that by using a white sheet cloth cut to size and draped over the support rods helps improve consistency. Also testing on a fairly bright, cloudy day works good too. Then when I want to get serious I use the Oehler 35P.

The Oehler Model 43 Ballistic Lab attaches to your computer and measures velocity and chamber pressures. You can add the sound sensing target feature to record where each bullet hits the target. Fifteen years ago the Oehler 43 Ballistic Lab and targeting sensors ran $1200 without the computer.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Oehler 35P.........been using mine for over 20 years

 

[flightsimmer]

I've got the Beta shooting Chrony (blue color) along with the printer that I ordered from Walmart (free shipping to store) and I've got under $200.00 in it I think. It works remotely with the printer and keeps track of all of your shots. It's quick to set up and use and is deadon.
I've used it on everything I have from BB guns to high power rifles and it just works.
Read the book that comes with it.

10mm, when you care enough to send the very best.

 

[chief38]

I've had the Chrony for twenty years or so and it has served me well. It is accurate (as compared to even higher priced ones) is durable and just works. Unless you are going to use a chronograph for commercial or professional purposes, I don't see why one of the less expensive (but time proven) models should not fit you needs. I would think that for under $200.00 you could be in business.

Chief38

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I had a PACT, not the most expensive one, for years and it worked well. One day I plunked an 85-grain slug from a .32 top break into the rear sensor unit. (Ha, Ha!) Then I found I could not buy a replacement sensor unit from PACT. Had to buy the whole rack with both sensors for many bucks. Has anyone out there been able to buy replacement sensors for PACT?

That's the direct opposite of my experience with PACT. I shot one of the sensors on my PACT Model 1 XP and was able to buy just one. A friend shot the sensor case on his and was able to buy just the plastic case replacement without the sensor unit inside.

One sensor with case and wire costs only $15. A set is $27.50. I think that is more than fair... See the parts list HERE.

As you can guess I'm using a PACT Model 1 XP and have been for ~6 years now. I'm very happy with it. It may not have all the bells a whistles but it's accurate and works every time.

 

[Six Dollar Dave]

Chrony beta. Works great, easy set up, and no problems.

$6

 

[125JHP]

I'm still using an old Pact Mk-III timer/chrono I bought about 1990. I had to deal with the OEM twice and didn't find CS to be to friendly or helpful. About 10 years ago I bought new sensors. Everything seems to be working fine as long as you have fresh batteries in it. It is dependent on voltage level, so I too am starting to consider replacing it with some new technology.