Budget chronograph?

[Synack42]

I've been window shopping for honestly the least expensive chronograph that would actually function... Really just for pistol, like 38 Special and cap and ball revolver territory. I shoot at a DNR range which is covered and actually has a shelf that it could sit on at a decent height. (So, thinking optical ones would work totally fine -- don't even need a tripod.)

It seems like Caldwell is a go-to, but $100 seems a bit steep to satisfy pure curiosity. (I'd rather blow that on lead and primers ;-) Think the $50 optical ones you can find on Amazon are worth anything, like the VQP Ballistic Chronograph? Any other suggestions that might be better? Thanks

 

[Charlie98]

It seems like Caldwell is a go-to, but $100 seems a bit steep to satisfy pure curiosity.

I paid $100 25 years ago for a Chrony base model... that I'm still using today, so $100 these days would be a bargain.

Before you get lured by the price, read the reviews on Amazon... weed through the ones from people who have had it for a week, and find the reviews from people who are really using it... then make your decision.

 

[lordpaxman]

I think the least expensive one is borrowed…. When I first went shopping for one my two requirements were 1)it worked and 2)Bluetooth connection so I didn’t need to physically view V on the device. I ended up with the ProChrono.

 

[jmorris]

The cheapest one I have cost me $20 with coupon from a grand opening. It’s still the one I use most but I have several others now. It’s just simple, works and does what I need it to do.

Shooting chrony remote

www.youtube.com

SHOOTING CRONY F1 CHRONOGRAPH Like New | Buya

Buya: SHOOTING CRONY F1 CHRONOGRAPH in Outdoor Sports, Sporting Goods, PAWN 1 BREMERTON

www.buya.com

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Midway has a Caldwell Ballistic Precision chronograph for $99 right now. That’s what I have, and although not top of the line, it gets the job done.

 

[Palladan44]

Caldwell.

 

[LiveLife]

Think the $50 optical ones you can find on Amazon are worth anything, like the VQP Ballistic Chronograph?

VQP is meant for indoor use with airsoft, sling shot, arrows, etc. and carries warning "Do not use in bright light/direct sunlight" - https://www.amazon.com/VQP-Ballisti...ords=chrony+chronograph&qid=1702304233&sr=8-2

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Based on photo sensor design, do not use in bright light/direct sunlight.

I shoot at a DNR range which is covered and actually has a shelf that it could sit on at a decent height. (So, thinking optical ones would work totally fine -- don't even need a tripod.)

Most shooting chronos require placement of 10-15 feet away from muzzle so as to not measure expanding gas (Which travels faster than bullet out of muzzle) and this requires tripod - https://btibrands.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chronograph-and-kit-master-instructions.pdf

• Position the unit 10 to 15 feet in front of the muzzle of a firearm

You can use a cardboard box but tripod provides easier vertical adjustment as bullet needs to travel fairly close to two sensors on top to produce more accurate/consistent readings (This means shooting few inches above chrono for best readings as shooting higher above the sensors will induce error/inconsistent readings).

It seems like Caldwell is a go-to, but $100 seems a bit steep to satisfy pure curiosity ... Any other suggestions that might be better?

You could go for used chrono but I would verify proper function and consistent readings before I buy (I use CCI SV 22LR for chrono verification).

I have the Caldwell chrono and as long as I use fresh 9V battery, place chrono 15 feet away and shoot closer to two sensors on top of chrono, it has produced consistent readings without errors whether sunny or cloudy days, cold or hot - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-4#post-10338994

NOTE: Another nice thing about Caldwell chrono is the use of remote cable to plug into your smart phone headphone jack to use with Caldwell app. Many reloaders end up shooting their chrono as they need to get closer to sensors for more consistent readings but Caldwell chrono allows you to read off smart phone app so you can use a steel plate shield in front of the chrono to protect it from bullets (I angle a piece of thick plate steel to deflect bullet). And you can use wooden/bamboo skewers/dowels instead of metal rods for sun shades.

Caldwell chrono is likely lowest price option and here's one for $81.81 and $8.95 shipping = $90.76 - https://shopbfam.com/product/caldwell-720001-ballistic-precision-chronograph-standard

 

[Charlie98]

It’s just simple, works and does what I need it to do.

Unfortunately, Chrony is out of business. I suspect the Caldwell is the market's replacement for the $100 chronograph.

 

[Kp321]

Be aware when using chronos indoors that fluorescent and some LED lights have a flicker that plays heck with the readings. Sunlight or incandescent lighting is ok.

 

[.45Coltguy]

The cheapest one I have cost me $20 with coupon from a grand opening. It’s still the one I use most but I have several others now. It’s just simple, works and does what I need it to do.

Shooting chrony remote

www.youtube.com

SHOOTING CRONY F1 CHRONOGRAPH Like New | Buya

Buya: SHOOTING CRONY F1 CHRONOGRAPH in Outdoor Sports, Sporting Goods, PAWN 1 BREMERTON

www.buya.com

Same one I have and use now and then. At least 20-22 years old, still works. As noted, they are out of business.

 

[gifbohane]

They all work and the price hovers around $100.

You obviously don't want or need a $ 500 labradar.

 

[Synack42]

Most shooting chronos require placement of 10-15 feet away from muzzle so as to not measure expanding gas (Which travels faster than bullet out of muzzle) and this requires tripod - https://btibrands.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chronograph-and-kit-master-instructions.pdf

• Position the unit 10 to 15 feet in front of the muzzle of a firearm

You can use a cardboard box but tripod provides easier vertical adjustment as bullet needs to travel fairly close to two sensors on top to produce more accurate/consistent readings (This means shooting few inches above chrono for best readings as shooting higher above the sensors will induce error/inconsistent readings).

I didn't even think of the muzzle blast, a tripod is probably in order then -- It would still be under shade from the structure but farther out than the shelf I was thinking of. The DNR here uses a standard design for parks that essentially are a suppressed building... Like you shoot through a large baffle that is lined with sound deadening fabric. ...I suppose the building will require a Form 4 eventually? ;-)

I have the Caldwell chrono and as long as I use fresh 9V battery, place chrono 15 feet away and shoot closer to two sensors on top of chrono, it has produced consistent readings without errors whether sunny or cloudy days, cold or hot - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-4#post-10338994

NOTE: Another nice thing about Caldwell chrono is the use of remote cable to plug into your smart phone headphone jack to use with Caldwell app. Many reloaders end up shooting their chrono as they need to get closer to sensors for more consistent readings but Caldwell chrono allows you to read off smart phone app so you can use a steel plate shield in front of the chrono to protect it from bullets (I angle a piece of thick plate steel to deflect bullet). And you can use wooden/bamboo skewers/dowels instead of metal rods for sun shades.

Caldwell chrono is likely lowest price option and here's one for $81.81 and $8.95 shipping = $90.76 - https://shopbfam.com/product/caldwell-720001-ballistic-precision-chronograph-standard

I suppose I should set the bar a bit higher and splurge on the Caldwell, seems to be a better bet than the Harbor Freight version, especially for the Bluetooth for distance behind the line.

 

[packetloss]

I had picked one of those up about 4 years ago with a coupon for about $47. It works, but you kind of also need a tripod and it's somewhat of a pain to set up (for outdoors you need to wait till you can cross the firing line). Not sure if it will even work indoors as I was never able to use it indoors.

I know it's not what you are considering but something to at least think about. At almost $100 sure it's a lot cheaper than a garmin, but a garmin will fit in your pocket, can be set up and turned on in 3 seconds and sends all your data to your phone via bluetooth. As they say the best chronograph is the one you have with you. I can count on two fingers the number of times I used my caldwell over 4 years. I've already used my Garmin 4 times and I've only had it a few weeks. Indoors it works perfect for pistol even at 7 yards.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I’m not sure 4 adults can eat at Mickey-D’s for under half a C-Note anymore. Prices are. End of story.

 

[Okie_Poke]

I have the Caldwell. It works. It's temperamental and fiddly to set up, but it does work. Nothing close to that price point is going to be less fiddly or temperamental.