I'd be happy to wait 3 weeks to get to play with to get such a cool Christmas present!
First impressions of the Garmin chronograph
- Thread starter Borderboss
- Start date
I'd be happy to wait 3 weeks to get to play with to get such a cool Christmas present!
Well made it to the indoor range today, which has it's backstop at 25 yds and divided shooting booths. Large paper silhouette target at 25 yds and the Garmin didn't miss a shot, although it seems a little sensitive at the indoor range and went into a repeating analyzing phase. Moving it a tad and resetting fixed it, and not sure what caused it, but the range has a more modern air moving/filtering system.
Got the results i wanted at 75 feet, so moved it up to 50 feet. Again it didn't miss a shot. Then moved it up to 25 feet, and yet again it didn't miss a shot. Am not knowledgeable about how it works, but am guessing having it set to the side a little allows it to calculate the whole way to 25 yds? Anyway, it worked at 75, 50 and 25 feet inside when the backstop was 25 yds downrange.
Got the results i wanted at 75 feet, so moved it up to 50 feet. Again it didn't miss a shot. Then moved it up to 25 feet, and yet again it didn't miss a shot. Am not knowledgeable about how it works, but am guessing having it set to the side a little allows it to calculate the whole way to 25 yds? Anyway, it worked at 75, 50 and 25 feet inside when the backstop was 25 yds downrange.
I also got mine out to the range today.
The short version: if you're a handloader or long range rifle shooter THIS IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!
The long version...
Setup:
While I was setting up, I was watching a guy a few benches down setting up a Caldwell chronograph in front of the line. I pulled the Garmin out of my bag, unfolded the little tripod and set it on the bench... ready. I watched the other guy make multiple trips out to his chronograph... set up the tripod, hang a weight bag (it was windy), mount the chronograph, line it up, carry his tablet out to connect to the tripod, etc.... all to be repeated when he tore down for the day.
I started with some (29) rounds out of one my ARs, since I wanted to verify my zero, and test the Garmin before doing anything serious. It captured every round fired, and I was able to shoot on my target and steel at several different ranges and angles, something that wouldn't have been possible with my Caldwell.
Next up was a series of handloads (25) out of my 6.5CM for load development. 4 different loads, and some factory Hornady for comparison.
Again, the Garmin captured every shot. Note that both the 5.56 and 6.5 were suppressed. I don't have a direct comparison, as the last time I did any chrono work with the Hornady 6.5 factory ammo was 2 years ago, under different conditions. That said, numbers are definitely in the ballpark... Hornady says 2710fps for their factory loads, I got an average of 2698fps.
Next up was handgun. I had my new to me Uberti Schofield out for the first time with some "cowboy" (light) .45 Colt loads.
Once again, the Garmin picked up every shot. I had a shooter on the adjacent bench to the right (.308), and two benches down to my left (various rifles), and the Garmin never picked up their shots.
Once I was done, I folded the little tripod and tossed it in my bag.
I have not yet tried the phone/app connection, but you can view your session history on the device and get some basic data from each session (ave vel, std dev, high/low, etc). Next time out, I'll give the app a try.
This thing is fantastic. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. What you basically have is a chronograph that's not much bigger than two (50rnd) boxes of .22LR ammo, that you can have up and running in 10-20 seconds without leaving the bench. In the past, my chronograph only went to the range a couple times a year because of all the hassle involved. Now, the Garmin will probably go to the range nearly EVERY trip. There's no reason not to, and as a handloader and rifle shooter, having that data available should pay big dividends down the road.
The short version: if you're a handloader or long range rifle shooter THIS IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!
The long version...
Setup:
While I was setting up, I was watching a guy a few benches down setting up a Caldwell chronograph in front of the line. I pulled the Garmin out of my bag, unfolded the little tripod and set it on the bench... ready. I watched the other guy make multiple trips out to his chronograph... set up the tripod, hang a weight bag (it was windy), mount the chronograph, line it up, carry his tablet out to connect to the tripod, etc.... all to be repeated when he tore down for the day.
I started with some (29) rounds out of one my ARs, since I wanted to verify my zero, and test the Garmin before doing anything serious. It captured every round fired, and I was able to shoot on my target and steel at several different ranges and angles, something that wouldn't have been possible with my Caldwell.
Next up was a series of handloads (25) out of my 6.5CM for load development. 4 different loads, and some factory Hornady for comparison.
Again, the Garmin captured every shot. Note that both the 5.56 and 6.5 were suppressed. I don't have a direct comparison, as the last time I did any chrono work with the Hornady 6.5 factory ammo was 2 years ago, under different conditions. That said, numbers are definitely in the ballpark... Hornady says 2710fps for their factory loads, I got an average of 2698fps.
Next up was handgun. I had my new to me Uberti Schofield out for the first time with some "cowboy" (light) .45 Colt loads.
Once again, the Garmin picked up every shot. I had a shooter on the adjacent bench to the right (.308), and two benches down to my left (various rifles), and the Garmin never picked up their shots.
Once I was done, I folded the little tripod and tossed it in my bag.
I have not yet tried the phone/app connection, but you can view your session history on the device and get some basic data from each session (ave vel, std dev, high/low, etc). Next time out, I'll give the app a try.
This thing is fantastic. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. What you basically have is a chronograph that's not much bigger than two (50rnd) boxes of .22LR ammo, that you can have up and running in 10-20 seconds without leaving the bench. In the past, my chronograph only went to the range a couple times a year because of all the hassle involved. Now, the Garmin will probably go to the range nearly EVERY trip. There's no reason not to, and as a handloader and rifle shooter, having that data available should pay big dividends down the road.
OP
I like the phone app for longer term recording of the sessions. In the app you can name the sessions and put notes in them. You also don't need to have the phone app connected to the chrono when you're shooting. You can connect the two when you get home and the app grabs the sessions from the chrono automatically.
I'd like to underline what Rodan said above. The Garmin is a total game changer. There has been a string of chronographs in my shooting career. All of them had quirks or deficiencies to the point that they stayed home unless I really wanted the data. The absence of fuss with the Garmin means it will get regular use. It's less work to set up and use than it is to set up my spotting scope on its tripod.
I'm sold!
I may be a bit biased because I've never owned a chronograph and have only shot over one that belonged to someone else a few times. So I've never gone through the set up and take down process. I didn't have a lot of time, I had to rush to my gun club after work and it shuts down at dark. I had a chance to run some 10mm through my M&P and two mags through my 10mm banshee, .357 through a 6" 686, .327 Federal Mag through my EDC SP-101 and 8 rounds of .454 Casull through a Ruger Alaskan snubbie. I really like the Garmin. It picked up every shot and made a believer out of me that it can be this easy! I've always wanted to get a chrony, but really was too lazy to go through everything that you have to to make it work. Plus the ranges I go to aren't really chrony friendly. I can't wait to get out and really try it out. Here's my numbers for the .454 Casull. I was surprised that it had the deviation it did, being factory ammo.
I may be a bit biased because I've never owned a chronograph and have only shot over one that belonged to someone else a few times. So I've never gone through the set up and take down process. I didn't have a lot of time, I had to rush to my gun club after work and it shuts down at dark. I had a chance to run some 10mm through my M&P and two mags through my 10mm banshee, .357 through a 6" 686, .327 Federal Mag through my EDC SP-101 and 8 rounds of .454 Casull through a Ruger Alaskan snubbie. I really like the Garmin. It picked up every shot and made a believer out of me that it can be this easy! I've always wanted to get a chrony, but really was too lazy to go through everything that you have to to make it work. Plus the ranges I go to aren't really chrony friendly. I can't wait to get out and really try it out. Here's my numbers for the .454 Casull. I was surprised that it had the deviation it did, being factory ammo.
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Greetings! This Garmin sounds like the next best thing since sliced bread!
I think that I'm going to aim to get one, but I have a question. Has anyone tried chronographing the same loads on two or more different days in order to confirm the reliability/consistency of it's readings?
I've had 4 different chronographs, starting with a PACT (it vanished during my accident rehab), a Chrony (the need to tripod mount downrange wasn't a hit with crippled legs), a MagnetoSpeed (currently my go to, but not compatible for my handguns), and an RCBS bullet shaped tripod mounted (I'm trying to learn, but not being successful).
I'm getting fantastic results with my Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor in F class matches, this could potentially make that rifle a better tackdriver! FYI: I currently getting about 0.7 MOA groups at 1040 yards.
I think that I'm going to aim to get one, but I have a question. Has anyone tried chronographing the same loads on two or more different days in order to confirm the reliability/consistency of it's readings?
I've had 4 different chronographs, starting with a PACT (it vanished during my accident rehab), a Chrony (the need to tripod mount downrange wasn't a hit with crippled legs), a MagnetoSpeed (currently my go to, but not compatible for my handguns), and an RCBS bullet shaped tripod mounted (I'm trying to learn, but not being successful).
I'm getting fantastic results with my Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor in F class matches, this could potentially make that rifle a better tackdriver! FYI: I currently getting about 0.7 MOA groups at 1040 yards.
I haven't had mine long enough to get that far, but there are numerous reviews out on YT, and I don't think I've seen anyone complain about the data they're getting from it. I would expect more variation due to ambient conditions than from the device itself. I know from past experience that I can provoke an increase in velocity readings simply by leaving a fresh round in a hot chamber for a minute before firing it.
Labradar already proved the technology, Garmin just did it a heck of a lot better...
Electraclyde
Member
Ordered Garmin today
I checked the Scheels website this afternoon and it indicated the unit was in stock. Placed my order at 4:10Pm immediately received an order confirmation indicating it should arrive anytime from Monday the 18th thru Thursday the 21st. Based on my very positive experience with Garmin GPS units, I expect this to be great. Guess I will list my Caldwell G2 for sale soon.
Received my new Garmin today VIA Fedex (12/16/23) Went to my club outdoor range at the 10 yard range. Set up was complete in about 60 seconds. Garmin recorded every shot. About 50 thru a .22lr pistol and another 50 with a .38 special revolver. What a great Chrono!! I have used several Garmin GPS unit in the past 20 years and have had excellent service from them. (I still onw one).
Tomorrow I will list my Caldwell G2 chrono for sale.
I checked the Scheels website this afternoon and it indicated the unit was in stock. Placed my order at 4:10Pm immediately received an order confirmation indicating it should arrive anytime from Monday the 18th thru Thursday the 21st. Based on my very positive experience with Garmin GPS units, I expect this to be great. Guess I will list my Caldwell G2 for sale soon.
Received my new Garmin today VIA Fedex (12/16/23) Went to my club outdoor range at the 10 yard range. Set up was complete in about 60 seconds. Garmin recorded every shot. About 50 thru a .22lr pistol and another 50 with a .38 special revolver. What a great Chrono!! I have used several Garmin GPS unit in the past 20 years and have had excellent service from them. (I still onw one).
Tomorrow I will list my Caldwell G2 chrono for sale.
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Just wanted to update this thread since it seems someone has made a file coverter to convert the C1 .fit files to .csv for those that want to use a spreadsheet and don't want to download the data through the phone app.
Disclaimer: I haven't tried this, just discovered it on another forum and wanted to share the info.
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Disclaimer: I haven't tried this, just discovered it on another forum and wanted to share the info.
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