Chronograph selection

[epj]

Santa is going to bring me a chrono. He isn't sure what kind. Suggestions would be welcome. Looking at those that are $200 and under. The more under the better, but I want one that works. I would sort of prefer one that has remote skyscreens, just in case of an errant bullet. Some I have llooked at use a tripod to mount the skyscreens. I have a spare tripod, if that's a good idea. Anyway, your input is welcomed.

 

[cjw3]

This one has worked well for me:

Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph - MidwayUSA

It is a good basic model that meets my needs. The control monitor is attached to the skyscreen assembly with a 16' cord, which is extremely convenient, particularly on a busy range where you are unable to walk back and forth safely to check the readout.

 

[epj]

That's sort of what I have in mind. Keep the suggestions coming.

 

[acl864]

The Alpha Master is working well for me too.

 

[Stillwater788]

My PACT Model 1 is a dog - as a matter of fact it's back there now to see if they can get it working. I'm also not too happy about having to pay shipping both ways on a gizmo with a lifetime guarantee - they required $14.95 for the return shipping, not actual costs. Although this is only a sample of one, I wouldn't recommend a PACT.

 

[epj]

The Alpha Master is looking pretty good. Has good reviews at Midway. What's the difference in the Alpha and Beta?

 

[OKFC05]

My model 1 PACT worked first time, every time. Sample of one.

I wish I had bought the consumer model of the Oehler when it was made. I got spoiled using their commercial model. Everything else is 2nd best, but the public voted for buying cheap over top quality.

 

[armadillo]

I have had my CED for about 4 years and am very happy with it. They came out with a newer (more features) version recently, but you can still get it for $200.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Had a red one now I have a blue one!

I started out with an entry level Shooting Chrony and after our #2 son shot it with a 30/06 he got me a Beta Shooting Chrony.

What I like about this chronograph is that it has 6, 10 shot string memory. You can review it back home. Powering down does not erase it.

The only thing I wish I had was the remote display. That would make it a lot easier to put it into my book.

The cost is good and they work very well.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Its too bad that Oehler doesn't sell their 35P to the piblic anymore. I bought mine right after they came out in '87 or '88 ( I'd have to look at the receipt). I have never had one problem with it in all this time, and I like the fact that it has the proof/self check function. The printer is nice, since I can write in the margins and make note of what gun a particular string was shot from, date, etc, etc.

 

[shovelwrench]

I have a Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph, but with a printer too.

NEVER had any sort of problem with it over the 4yrs I've owned it.

 

[Twist]

I have recently bought a CED Millenium and find it to be a good investment.
I also have a couple of PACT MkIII's - but the damn things are just too cantankerous when they want to be..... the velocities for all 3 read about the same so I can only conclude that they are somewhere about right !

 

[flat top]

I needed a chrono that was small, light, and compact...easily transportable, and easy to carry. A buddy of mine from another forum (who had one, and used it for a number of years) suggested the Prochrono Digital.....under 100.00, so I though, for the price I wouldnt be getting much, but, it was worth a shot. It is nothing fancy, but gives all the stats, and has playback features, and after two years of rough, constant use, has performed beyond what I expected...not one problem! A number of years ago I used a commercial Oehler that we had at our club (very nice, but very expensive), and had some loaded ammuntion that was run through the Oehler. I took some of that ammo, with "known" velocities supplied by the Oehler and ran it through the Prochrono.....all the shots were within 2 fps of the readings I got with the Oehler!!!! I have a light tripod for the Prochrono...can take it anywhere, and it sets up fast...perfect for what I do. I do a lot of down range velocity testing, and the best thing about this chrono is, if it is hit by an out of control bullet, I havent lost much! The Prochrono is tough, light, and easily replacable, and best of all the investment is small.