Recommend a good chronograph

y2k

y2k

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I’ve always wanted a chronograph. Can anybody recommend one? I don’t need top-of-the-line, but something that’s reliable and not too expensive an accurate.
 
For your criteria I would look at the Magnetospeed.

With the advent of the Garmins etc these have lost their shine but they are awesome chronographs and can be had for keen cash.
 
y2k said:
Geez, I don’t think I wanna spend that much just some for testing my reloads
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Which is why I suggested the Magnetospeed. Can be had for a third of that price if you keep an eye on here.

Simple to use, reliable and impossible to pick up a stray shot from someone else.
 
y2k said:
I’ve always wanted a chronograph. Can anybody recommend one? I don’t need top-of-the-line, but something that’s reliable and not too expensive an accurate.
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So I started with the same ideas as you. I purchased the cheapest version first. A Caldwell Ballistics light gate for around three hundo. All the bells and whistles. Works fine for lower velocity non magnums if your real careful to aim through the light gates and it's not super sunny. Such a pain in the ass I can't give it to a friend. Used it a couple times and it's just too painful to set up and get working in the conditions. They are frowned upon at ranges because you can't step forward of the firing line to make adjustments when the range is hot. Next up is the Magneto Speed. Again works okay with non magnum rifles and mostly error free, but if you have a muzzle break or other attachment they don't work. With magnum or high recoil rifles they tend to slip off the barrel. Less hassle than a light gate because you don't need to step forward of the firing line to adjust the product but still not worth the money IMO. I can't speak for the LabRadar because I never got one. Then I purchased a Xero. I use it all the time. Simple to set up, use and carry. Please don't waste money on the old tech. Get something new. Cheers
 
I've been looking for a while and found a Caldwell (older one) in perfect condition for $80 with extra parts. It was a tough choice between that and a Magnetospeed for $250 with all the extras. I couldn't justify the well over $500 for new so I just kept watching the ads. Check kijiji as well cause you never know.
I've only used it twice, seems fine so far.
 
y2k said:
I’ve always wanted a chronograph. Can anybody recommend one? I don’t need top-of-the-line, but something that’s reliable and not too expensive an accurate.
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Garmin, Full stop.
Prices are lowering slightly from when it came out,.
Very easy to use, I've hand held it when a friend was standing in the bush, no issues.
No requirement to add an app, no cell phone required
Very good shot log
Long battery life, recharge with USB "C" cable and battery pack
Excellent support team
small, light and portable
Fairly common now
With addition of a cell phone it can add all sorts of info, kinetic energy etc.
 
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y2k said:
I’ve always wanted a chronograph. Can anybody recommend one? I don’t need top-of-the-line, but something that’s reliable and not too expensive an accurate.
Click to expand...
Something not too expensive? A used magneto speed you can pick up for under $200. Brand new they were above 5 I think.

I’ve had my magneto for 6 years and it’s never let me down. I just don’t like how it has to be attached to the barrel. That will change the point of impact at the target.
 
Look for a used Shooting Chrony, I've had one for 20ish years it's reliable and easy to use. Not as cool as the Garmin and Athlon units, but it works and is significantly less money if you dont want to spend a lot.
 
I’ve owned several chronographs, as stated above the garmin is the best I’ve used by far! If you reload you should get this one, also nothing attached to your barrel which is nice.
 
I bought a Magnetospeed shortly before the Garmin came out. It's a solid chronograph, and sounds like it would fit your needs.

If you don't want to spend $800 on the Garmin, I'd look at a MS as stated, used prices have tanked due to people upgrading to the Garmin.
 
Yup lot's of magnetospeeds on the used market, will work for sure, I have a garmin and love it, pricey yes but worth it for me, as with everything it really depends on how much you are will to spend
 
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