Questions regarding the use of a chronograph with air rifles.

[Pellgunfun]

I've got an F1 Shooting Chrony.  I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on the best setup to use it on air rifles.  I also have the indoor light kit attachment which works nice in my garage.
What is the proper distance to setup the chrony from the muzzle end?  I know powder burners have to setup 12 to 15 ft, but I hardly think that would be necessary for air rifles as I've seen chronies that attach to the end of the barrel.  Of course I don't know it that particular chrony would have to be calibrated for that or not.

Also, is it best to have the pellet passing over the sensor as close as possible or can the pellet pass over the sensor 10 inches high?

Inquiring minds what to know....hehehe.

[TooJung2Die]

I set my Alpha Chrony up as close as comfortably possible, about 1-2ft from the muzzle to help prevent accidental Chrony fatalities. Yes, you can shoot 10 inches or more above the Chrony but it won't register the shot reliably.    4 to 6 inches is the sweet spot. Getting the pellet to pass over the center of both sensors is important.

[longhunter]

what he said^. to that I wall add when using a pumper, 3 feet is actually better. pumpers, by their nature, eject oil vapor with every shot. it will end up all over the chrony and the sensors if it is too close. this will effect your readings.

[lefteyeshot]

I just use mine outside with the rods in the holes that put them closest together. It's on an old camcorder tripod (screws right on) In front of my bench, barrel about 6- 10" from chrony pointed down to shoot into the ground. Lay fore stock across rest, hold back of stock with off hand, trigger finger on trigger. With both eyes open look across top of gun with one eye and down side with other to keep muzzle centered and level( like night shooting an M16 without night optic) 2-3 inches above sensors. Error 1 missed or to high above first sensor. Error 2 missed or to high above second sensor. If I try to aim at targets or shoot groups while using chrony I shoot the chrony. Been lucky only clipped it a couple of times. Late afternoon to dark it want see the pellets. Sometimes I check trigger pull while I chrony. That works for me.

[DOKF]

What lefteyeshot said ...

I usually have my beta about 1 m from the muzzle.  I have hit the chrony when aiming at targets, so don't do that anymore.  ;-(

Camera tripod works great, especially one with a built in bubble level.  Or place on table in front of shooting bags.  Key is pellet passing over both sensors at about equal height (level).

[palonej]

I like to shoot longer strings so I set my chrony, on a camera tripod, about 1' from the muzzle and line up so I can target shoot at the same time.

[Pellgunfun]

Good input fellas, keep'em coming:-)

I was in my garage shooting over the chrony last night.  I had my F1 setup 8 inches from the muzzle of my .22cal BAM B-50.  I have it mounted and leveled on a tripod in front of my shooting table.  I wasn't sure if 8 inches was enough, but I didn't notice any negative effects with it.  I was using my indoor lighting attachment that seemed to work well.  The one rule I didn't follow though, is the pellet height above the sensor eye rule.  Instead of aiming for the 4 to 6 inch window above the sensor, I was passing my pellets by with only one half to one inch above the sensor.  Yikes that was pretty close, now that I think about it:-)  At least I didn't hit it.

[N6CRV]

I put tape on my rods that is wrapped from 4 to 6 in. That way I know the height to shoot at. Also made the switch so that I can get all the info off the F-1 like that more costly ones. The switch is easy to make so you might want to think about doing that. I also use a Camera tripod and leave that part that goes on the Camera on the bottom of the F-1 so I can take it on and off easy.

[grobe1458]

my f1 is set up on a tripod camera mount, distance about 1ft to 2ft and 6" below the barrel.

[Booger]

I use a tape measure and shoot 12" from the muzzle. That way I can compare all guns at the same distance and do not have to remember what distance I shot before if I think a problem has occurred. I have noticed my memory is starting to fail me.

What was it I just said?

[DOKF]

Yikes that was pretty close, now that I think about it:-)  At least I didn't hit it.

Been there, done that.  But it must be common, because the Shooting Chrony factory offers a reasonably priced repair service.  No questions asked.  Nary a blink.  Happens all the time.

It is amazing the damage a Patriot 0.25 can do to a digital display and printed circuit board.  Not that I will ever actually admit to having done anything like that ....

You might want to invest in some protective shielding for the chrony important bits.  I also bought one with a remote control / display for measurements at 10 ~ 15 m from muzzle, with the added benefit of moving some of the sensitive bits out of harm's way.

.

[Booger]

I keep nipping the back side of my chrony. Do not ask me why.


Take that back, I do not remember ever shooting my chrony. I just found a good thing about memory.