Chrono buying problems

[VrockTDSaz]

I'm having a rough time buying a chronograph. The reviews for different brands are all over the place. My requirements are:
1. Has to have remote w/ read out
2. Track at least 5 strings of 5 to 10 shots per string and be able to recall those strings at home.
3. I shoot outside and it's usually sunny, but one of my ranges is shaded out to about 4 feet past the bench. (Pima Pistol Club if anyone is familiar with southern AZ). Not sure if that'll make a difference.
4. Under $200
5. Computer interface would be nice but not essential

I was thinking either the Shooting Chrony Beta Master vs. the CED M2. The Chrony is cheaper and available locally, which is nice. However, the CED looks like the sunscreens are better made and sturdier.

As always, I appreciate all the expert help.

-Vince

 

[gahunter12]

CED M2 all the way! I have a CE Pro Digital Chrono, and LOVE it, but my second choice would be the CED M2. In some ways I wish I would have gone that route the first time.

 

[Rule3]

This one but not at this price. It goes on sale or buy elsewhere. It does not have a remote but just buy the cable and then hook it to a laptop and then it does. It plain WORKS in any light, Competition Electronics

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/852429/competition-electronics-prochrono-digital-chronograph

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/53...-chrono-digital-chronograph?cm_vc=sugv1852429

 

[gahunter12]

Here's a better price on the Competition Electronics Pro Digital. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0028MTBJ4. Mine has been 100% with out fail.

 

[rogerstg]

Here's a better price on the Competition Electronics Pro Digital. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0028MTBJ4. Mine has been 100% with out fail.

Sometimes it's less than $100. That's the unit I use. It doesn't have a remote readout though, which the OP wants. I'm not sure why he needs that since my old eyes have no problem reading the display at 15'.

 

[Rule3]

Even though I can still see the read out (sort off, the eyes are going) I use a adjustable painters pole with a thin dowel taped to the end. It extends over 10 ft. I can change the strings or punch any button without calling a cold range. I usually have one range to myself but if there are others they get miffed if I keep calling cold just to push a button

I did not get the cable interface as no way I am bringing a computer to the range, too much like WORK!

For the OP save yourself some grief and FORGET the Chrony brand

 

[Schwing]

I originally bought an RCBS Ammomaster Chronograph. It was a piece of garbage that gave erratic or no results. I took it back and after about another year, I bought a Competition Electronics ProChrono. I don't remember the exact amount but it was in the $90s.

I thought I wanted a remote as well but the only ones I have found have wired remotes which are almost more trouble than they are worth. I have horrible eyesight and have no trouble reading it from about 15' If it is a must, as mentioned, the cable kit will allow you to connect it to a laptop for remote use.

The CE chrono will do 9 strings of up to 99 shots and will calculate Hi, low, and average speeds as well as standard deviation. You can recall the data at home and it retains it until you clear it.

My range is an outdoor range but it is covered and I have no issues. I have yet to have it not read a shot.

 

[dagger dog]

I own and use a Chrony Beta Master. I've clocked pellets from my air rifles, arrows, handgun and rifle bullets.

It gives reliable information when set up properly but is very finicky about ambient light amplitude and angle of the light at the sensors. Overcast days not a problem, bright cloudless days with early morning or late angling sun can test your patience .

I like the remote screen all the info can be stored in the remote and retrieved for later, just wish I would have bought the printer and carry case.

The operation program is not intuitive and takes some thought and plenty of use to become proficient with data retrieval.

Haven't used any other chrono's so I can't compare.

 

[mtrmn]

I highly recommend NOT getting a "Chrony" brand.

 

[lauderdale]

Dagger Dog^^^^^^What HE SAID Spot ON!^^^^^^ I will say if you like to tinker and be spot on, I would not discourage, Just my opinion.

 

[Nordeste]

I have been advised to avoid "Chrony" for a number of reasons. This said, I don't own one, but with the same ammo and pistol, a Chrony read 30 ft/sec more than a Pro Chrono Digital and a CED M2 did. Given that it's the M2 the one that is usually seen at matches when you have to chrono your ammo, I wouldn't bet on a Chrony just for that reason.

I bought my Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Digital and I'm quite happy with it. It's as accurate as the M2 and quite a bit cheaper. It lacks the remote you need, but it'll do the job.

Between the two you mention, the M2, hands down.

 

[witchhunter]

Doesn't matter you are going to shoot your first one anyway....If not you then the first person to borrow it will.

 

[aklaunch]

The prochrono digital chronograph by competition electronics would be a good start. If you don't like it, Brownells will take it back and refund your money.

That is if you don't shoot a hole through it first

 

[VrockTDSaz]

Doesn't matter you are going to shoot your first one anyway....If not you then the first person to borrow it will.

WH: I know what you mean. I had a brand new steel gong and my brother's friend, who was terrible, put three holes in the frame before I realized what he was doing and made him stop.

I think for the price, I will take the advice I asked for and order the CE prochrono digital. From what I hear, I'll be able to see the display so i can live without the remote. It seems like it has everything else I wan and more, except the remote. I like the idea that it takes a minimum amount of messing with it to get it to read.

Thanks, off to order it.

 

[mtrmn]

I have the Comp electronics pro digital as well---should have shot my "Chrony" long ago. I recently did just that and compared to the Pro Chrono Digital the Chrony was a POS. Constant errors, user-hostile human interface, even had a button that was labeled "FU." I had to carry the poorly-translated user manual with the Chrony because retreiving data was a PITA without losing it. The Pro has all the buttons clearly labeled so a knuckledragger like me can use it without the manual and there IS a remote you can purchase as an add-on. I don't know but I been told...if you shoot it they'll fix it for half price.
Also be aware-CED and Competition Electronics ARE NOT THE SAME COMPANY.

 

[RainDodger]

The wife gave me one of the new MagnetoSpeed chronographs for Christmas. It's the muzzle-mounted one. In a word, function has been amazing. They've got a web site with all the details. (Midway sells them also)

I put it on a 20" AR for the first test and it was perfect from shot number one. It will read out all your shots in a series... like "01-1", then "01-2" being series 1, shot number one, etc. It allows you to save each series and the memory card will download directly to a computer to open in Excel. Works great. Gives you velocity, extreme spread, standard deviation.

It's a bit over $200 though. It comes in a nice plastic box like a pistol box. The benefit for me is, you put in on your rifle and you don't have to call the range safe to go set up sky screens or whatnot.

 

[hdbiker]

I owned a Shooting Chroney, Beta modle for 13 years. I always gave me trouble on bright days when the sun was intense. I'd get no reading or error messages, was very aggravating.Last summer I knicked one of the sun screen rods with my .243,now its dead and I'm not sorry. I'll be buying a different brand soon . hdbiker

 

[mtrmn]

I'd love a magnetospeed, but since I can't hang it on a 1911 or similar I guess I'll stick with the more traditional designs.

 

[readyeddy]

Another vote for the Competition Electronics ProChrono. You don't need a remote to read the screen. Just look through your scope or have binos handy.

 

[GaryL]

Yet another vote for the Competition Electronics ProChrono. Bought it based on recommendations and user comments from THR. Wasn't in a hurry, so watched for a sale price.

Used it in a few different conditions. I've had a couple misreads - maybe 1 in 100. I suspect a better tripod would make a difference. Any more than a light breeze and mine wobbles a bit.

 

[gahunter12]

Used it in a few different conditions. I've had a couple misreads - maybe 1 in 100. I suspect a better tripod would make a difference. Any more than a light breeze and mine wobbles a bit.

A good tripod makes all the difference. I picked up a high end camera tripod used for what a new cheap tripod would cost.

 

[Ks5shooter]

CE chrono now offers digital remote https://www.competitionelectronics....tegory_id=7&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=41

 

[1SOW]

You can get the Pro Chrono Digital with a remote control for your $200 or you can wire a very simple two-wire switch to your reset switch. Mount a plug on the chrono, and you can just plug it in when needed.
This is just my plan to do "soon".

The BIGGY is changing strings in load work-ups.
I may be testing three different bullet loads, and having to call a range safe 6 or 8 times. Doesn't make you any friends.

 

[454PB]

I have a Competition Electronics chronograph that is over 25 years old and still performs perfectly.

 

[chris in va]

You can get a remote for the ProChrono.

I got this chronograph last year and have used it a few times. Cloudy days are the best, no issues. Clear days are a bit iffy when the sun is low in the sky. It simply won't read.