Time to buy a Chronograph

[Magoo541]

Thanks to work, a two week per deim check, and a lot of cheap food for the next two weeks I'll have some cash to buy a chronograph and maybe a timer.

I've read a number of reviews for the major chronos available and they all seem to have issues except the Oehler Model 35 but at over $550 its not going to be in the running.  I have shot over a Shooting Chrony F1 and had a few issues, mostly operator error shooting too close but some legitimate errors but at ~$95 I guess you get what you pay for.

So what do you guys use, what works, what doesn't and what would you get with a budget of say... $250?

[TAB]

Check craigslist and local ranges/ gun clubs.  I picked mine up used for $75.   some one was up grading.  I don't need perfect accuracy, 10-25 fps means nothing for the reloading I am doing.  I am not itrested in bench rest shooting, nor will I be trying to just barly make pf.

[kmitch200]

I have a Shooting Chrony Beta Master that has been GREAT.
(wonder why they didn't name it the Master Beta?)

Most of the errors I've had can be traced to sun angle to the timers. Using my photography tripod fixed those since it is adjustable 6 ways from Sunday.  

Readout at the bench, (which with the 15' cord puts the chrony far enough away to disregard muzzle blast errors), stores plenty of shots. I have never filled up the memory - 60 shots - to the point it drops old shots to record new ones. I record a number of shots from a group of loads, not every single one out of 100 rifle/pistol shots.
Best $100 I've spent on shooting stuff.

I guess the printer would be cool if I wanted to upgrade but I just take notes. Since I'm already taking notes on the loads performance, recoil and group, no big deal.

[alfsauve]

I too have the Beta Master. A good buy.  And I'd recommend the Beta over the Alpha or F1.

. I've seen Pact &CED a lot at matches. Have never seen an RCBS though.

I will say that Ken Oehler  seems like a nice guy.  On another forum he personally responded and helped me with a problem with my Chrony.
The price of Oehlers is a stumbling block.

[Magoo541]

I was leaning towards the Beta because of the price point and the remote display so I am comforted by both of your experiences.  I have my daughter as my printer  cheap and never runs out of ink. 

Now any other opinions or comments either on Chronos or timers?  Mr. Cook, les or any of you fellow competitors?

[Sponsor]

[kmitch200]

Now any other opinions or comments either on Chronos or timers?  Mr. Cook, les or any of you fellow competitors?

I downloaded a shot timer app but haven't tried it out yet. There are a bunch out there.
The price was perfect....FREE.

[GeorgeCook]

I was leaning towards the Beta because of the price point and the remote display so I am comforted by both of your experiences.  I have my daughter as my printer  cheap and never runs out of ink. 

Now any other opinions or comments either on Chronos or timers?  Mr. Cook, les or any of you fellow competitors?

For practice I recommend the CED 7000; it goes for $120. It can be attached to your belt (recommended) for about $15. Also this timer can be recharged. There are other good timers out there such as PACT, but I like this timer for it's ease of use.

http://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/CED-7000-Timer-P168.aspx

http://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/CED-7000-Timer-Rotating-Belt-Clip-P167.aspx

[Magoo541]

Check craigslist and local ranges/ gun clubs.  I picked mine up used for $75.   some one was up grading.  I don't need perfect accuracy, 10-25 fps means nothing for the reloading I am doing.  I am not itrested in bench rest shooting, nor will I be trying to just barly make pf.

I have done exactly that and all I've found is a Tag Heuer that I'd love to have but too rich for my blood.  I'll be using it to check a couple of hand loads for Power Factor so I need something decent, although I'd love to have an Oehler Model 35.

I think I'll give the Beta Master a whirl and post a range report after I run some rounds across it, not through it (had this happen to our club Chrony when I had it signed out by a fellow member-who immediately went up and paid for it). 

Still not sure about a timer yet, there's a thread on the Cafe that has me pondering my choices but I'm leaning towards either the 7000 or the  CE Pocket Pro.  Decisions, decisions...

[Magoo541]

So I pulled the trigger on a Beta Master Chrony this afternoon but I figured I'd try the IPSC timer on my new Iphone 4s before I spend $120+ on a quality timer since this is just for practice.  I think I'll put the extra money towards some "snivel" gear for future shooting match comfort, like a dual burner heater for a 5 gallon propane tank and a cart because being wet and cold can ruin a shooting match for my caddy-err... daughter. 

 I don't like being cold either but I was running and gunning enough to keep my feet and butt warm

[les snyder]

if you are into USPSA style competition, a PACT will do double duty as chrono and timer...if you are new to practical pistol shooting a timer is very valuable (I donated my old Competition Electronics Pro to a couple of friends that were running a Cowboy Action match)..... I personally do not own a chrono, as I've always been able to use a friend's