Never, Ever Loan Your Chrono

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:15 pm

Deleted

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:32 pm

Both my friend Tym and I have winged a steel rod on my chrony with some 454 or other magnum type loads. I went to using wood dowels for the screens. Thankfully, I have never made a "killing shot"!

-Tutt

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:48 pm

I don't need to use the sky screens so the soda straws are a good, cheap alternative.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 2:03 pm

It must have charged him those things can be viscous killers. Sometimes you have to put them down before they get you.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 2:10 pm

That looks like something i'd do -- glad the box was relatively cheap

Doc Hudson · Post by **Doc Hudson** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:29 pm

That is the very reason I bought an Oehler rthr than a Chrony. Replacing ski screen cells is bad enough.

It is also the reason I have two firm rules. iI will not shoot over another man's chronograph. If I need a load chronographed and mine isn't handy, I will ask the owner to shoot my gun and my loads.

Likewise, no one shoots over my chronograph but me. I I bust a sky screen cell, it is my own fault and i won't bet mad at anyone but myself.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:32 pm

Doc, I've just adopted your chrono rule.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:36 pm

Good that he lived up to his "as-borrowed" condition... even if it will take a little longer than you expected for him to return it.

One of those things I've thought about on several ocassions... just never followed up on!

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:56 pm

I see that happening to folks quite often. Personally, I can't see how you would do that. I only shoot over mine while the firearm is firmly benched and on sandbags.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:05 pm

TedH wrote:I see that happening to folks quite often. Personally, I can't see how you would do that. I only shoot over mine while the firearm is firmly benched and on sandbags.

If he was shooting off hand the most common shooter error is a low left push. ya think?

Topside · Post by **Topside** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:14 pm

Ready to buy a chronograph. Would appreciate suggestions. Any comments on one like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shooting-Chrony-Alp ... 1339wt_849

Don't want to go above that in price unless it's absolutely necessary. Spending less it good to. Thanks.

T.

jhrosier · Post by **jhrosier** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:15 pm

TedH wrote:... Personally, I can't see how you would do that.

I could give you lessons if you like.
I have two different techniques that I have developed over the years.

Jack

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:24 pm

Topside wrote:Ready to buy a chronograph. Would appreciate suggestions. Any comments on one like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shooting-Chrony-Alp ... 1339wt_849

Don't want to go above that in price unless it's absolutely necessary. Spending less it good to. Thanks.

T.

I strongly recommend the Beta Master Chrony over the Alpha as the 'brain' is in the remote box so you can see the numbers at your bench and control it from there too. Also, if one were to hit an Alpha where he hit my Beta it would mean a complete new chrono.

I've seen the Beta Master versions for cheaper than that.

Brownells has them for $117.25

MidwayUSA has them on sale for $117.99

Cabellas has them for $119.99

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:30 pm

I actually thought that was one of the laws of shooting.

If you have and use a chronograph, sooner or later it will take a close range "reading".

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:41 pm

Did he understand it is for timing loads and not penetration tests?

adirondakjack · Post by **adirondakjack** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:51 pm

I'll RENT my chrony any time. $10 rental, and a damage deposit equal to the purchase price.

Ya want me to help ya out and check a load? Sure. Let me have a few rounds so I can insure where your gun and load is shooting, then run a few over the screens..... you wanna do it? See the first sentance.

Sarge · Post by **Sarge** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 5:05 pm

Doc Hudson wrote:That is the very reason I bought an Oehler rthr than a Chrony. Replacing ski screen cells is bad enough.

It is also the reason I have two firm rules. iI will not shoot over another man's chronograph. If I need a load chronographed and mine isn't handy, I will ask the owner to shoot my gun and my loads.

Likewise, no one shoots over my chronograph but me. I I bust a sky screen cell, it is my own fault and i won't bet mad at anyone but myself.

I saw two killed on the same public range, within 8 months of each other... much blue air and gnashing of the teeth. I've been an adherent of your stated guidelines for some time and especially since I got my Beta, the following year.

I use 3/16" wood dowels in mine, with all four marked for safe bullet passage.

So far, so good. Sorry to hear about yours, Steve.

Topside · Post by **Topside** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 5:06 pm

COSteve wrote:
Topside wrote:Ready to buy a chronograph. Would appreciate suggestions. Any comments on one like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shooting-Chrony-Alp ... 1339wt_849

Don't want to go above that in price unless it's absolutely necessary. Spending less it good to. Thanks.

T.
I strongly recommend the Beta Master Chrony over the Alpha as the 'brain' is in the remote box so you can see the numbers at your bench and control it from there too. Also, if one were to hit an Alpha where he hit my Beta it would mean a complete new chrono.

I've seen the Beta Master versions for cheaper than that.

Brownells has them for $117.25

MidwayUSA has them on sale for $117.99

Cabellas has them for $119.99

Thanks Steve, I'll take your advice..

T.

Post by **Hobie** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 6:16 pm

Never loan that which you value unless you value the borrower more.

I have zinged a rod myself and now use the dowels.

otteray · Post by **otteray** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 6:56 pm

Yep, I loaned mine out for one shot.
Now its got 3 metal rods and a chop stick.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:36 pm

Steve,
This is what burns me to no end. (nothing personal to your buddy as he may not fall into this catagory) I have come to the conclusion that most guys are cheap. As low priced as chronographs are, anyone who handloads ought to have their own. The guys who borrow low priced items are the same guys who drive $40,000 pick-ups and go to the islands every winter.

It probably why I only deal with a very small handful of people. We all have our own s**t. Cheapskates & weasles are always trying to sneak in our group so they can see what they can get for nothin'.

There's this one guy who always calls me up to get a ride to a gunshow. The first time he gave me $10 for the $50 worth of gas needed. I don't need the money but its the idea of dealing with another cheapie. This guy has his own multi-million dollar auto body shop. I tell him now to "hit the road" himself.

I guess its not the Christian way to be but I have "been there and done that" and no longer have tolerence for weasles.

Man---this topic is a sore spot with me--sorry-------------------------Sixgun

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:52 pm

Looks like he used 'enough gun'.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:02 pm

Sixgun wrote:Steve,
This is what burns me to no end. (nothing personal to your buddy as he may not fall into this catagory) I have come to the conclusion that most guys are cheap. As low priced as chronographs are, anyone who handloads ought to have their own. The guys who borrow low priced items are the same guys who drive $40,000 pick-ups and go to the islands every winter.

It probably why I only deal with a very small handful of people. We all have our own s**t. Cheapskates & weasles are always trying to sneak in our group so they can see what they can get for nothin'.

There's this one guy who always calls me up to get a ride to a gunshow. The first time he gave me $10 for the $50 worth of gas needed. I don't need the money but its the idea of dealing with another cheapie. This guy has his own multi-million dollar auto body shop. I tell him now to "hit the road" himself.

I guess its not the Christian way to be but I have "been there and done that" and no longer have tolerence for weasles.

Man---this topic is a sore spot with me--sorry-------------------------Sixgun

Oh, go right ahead... give us the sugar-coated version.

You're amongst friends, you CAN tell how you really feel!

Post by **Hobie** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:25 pm

otteray wrote:Yep, I loaned mine out for one shot.
Now its got 3 metal rods and a chop stick.

I think the chopsticks would actually work better than a straight dowel. The tapered end goes in the hole in the box and... That said, any pair of sticks is potentially a pair of chopsticks.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:45 pm

JReed wrote:It must have charged him those things can be viscous killers. Sometimes you have to put them down before they get you.

Bullard4075 · Post by **Bullard4075** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 11:25 pm

OK how fast was that load?

Doc Hudson · Post by **Doc Hudson** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:28 am

TedH wrote:Personally, I can't see how you would do that.

It really is not that hard to do with a scoped firearm. With the line of sight so much higher than the bore, it is not difficult to hit the screen cells, or the whole Chrony.

Doc Hudson · Post by **Doc Hudson** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:36 am

Hobie wrote: any pair of sticks is potentially a pair of chopsticks.

Don't you mean toothpicke hobie?

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:55 am

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Cheap Insurance for your Chronograph

It's just a piece of 5/8" steel at a shallow angle, but after about 10 years of use, it has a couple jacket-and-lead skid marks on it. . .

Obviously, mine has the separate little display-box, so you don't have to see the front of the Chrony to read any numbers.

Lawyer Daggit · Post by **Lawyer Daggit** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:58 am

I bought a Chrony some years ago. At the same time I picked up my .350 Rem Mag.

I set it up a bit close to the muzzle- not knowing what the back draft was. My Chrony originally had cardboard parts that mount into the case that the bullet passes through (since replaced by plastic).

On toughing off with .350, the upright cardboard bits served as sails and my chrony blasted off- to the mirth of all at the range.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:55 am

There is no reason you shouldn't spring for the cost of mounting it for him.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 7:43 am

Doc Hudson wrote:
TedH wrote:Personally, I can't see how you would do that.

It really is not that hard to do with a scoped firearm. With the line of sight so much higher than the bore, it is not difficult to hit the screen cells, or the whole Chrony.

thanks for the explanation - I was in Ted's school here, also.
still seems like something you can anticipate when you're setting up your bench.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:59 am

So far I have avoided shooting mine (knock on wood). There have been a few occasions out at the range where another shooter will ask if he can shoot a string over my chrono, I alwasys reply that he can give me a $100 deposit and go right ahead, or let me shoot his rifle for him. I always wind up shooting his rifle for him.
I agree that it seems strange that a person who thinks nothing of coming to the range with a couple grand worth or rifles, scopes, gear, etc, hasn't seen fit to spend the paltry sum of maybe $125.00 or so to get his own chrono. They likely spend that much taking the wife (or GF) out for a nice dinner and drinks and have nothing to show for it.

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 4:56 pm

One extended member of the family showed up one fine summer day. He is a real character and wanted to show off His new "Hot" load in the .44 mag. He brought His Chrony,set it up back at the range and on the first shot center punched that sucker.

.I couldn't help but fall on the ground after seeing the look on His face.priceless.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:03 pm

Amen..... OR let Bestlever shoot his .357 thru it.

Only hit the skyscreen bars, but that sucker went 20 feet in the air

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:45 pm

I'm guilty of shooting a rod on mine. Luckily it was superficial damage. Haven't shot the main box yet.

You should take that and have it mounted on a piece of wood with a plaque and present it to your friend.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:55 pm

Doc Hudson wrote:
TedH wrote:Personally, I can't see how you would do that.

It really is not that hard to do with a scoped firearm. With the line of sight so much higher than the bore, it is not difficult to hit the screen cells, or the whole Chrony.

I must respectfully disagree. I've been using the same one for better than 15 years now, and if it wasn't that hard to do, I prolly would have done it by now. I suspect you mean it's not hard to do, if your not careful. Even with the highest of scope mounts your line of sight is maybe two or two and half inches over the bore. You've got at least 12 inches to shoot through the chrony. I admit that I take plenty of time setting mine up and sight down the barrel not through the scope when lining things up.

Yeah, just watch now. I'll come back with a sack of shattered chrony parts after my next range trip.

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:15 pm

I'll never forget when one of my shooting buddies shot another buddies brand new Chrony, it hadn't had 5 rounds over it. There were four of us shooting and the other "innocent" party and myself liked to have choked when Jerry dead centered Tom's Chrony with a .44mag. Then the looks on their faces, I don't know which turned the whitest...

We had both warned Tom that Jerry had a flinch from hades with that .44 and to not let him shoot over the chrony. I went to the back of the truck and tried to stiffle my laughter until my head hurt so bad I couldn't shoot.

The equipment was replaced, no questions asked and no hard feelings....but I'd have just about paid for the Chrony just to see those facial expressions.

Rob

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:38 pm

deerwhacker444 wrote:You should take that and have it mounted on a piece of wood with a plaque and present it to your friend.

That's a great idea. I'll have to give that some thought although I'm not sure he'd see the humor in it. He borrows everything from everyone because he's too cheap to buy things for himself. The dead chrono on a plaque would remind him he's a cheap so and so.

Sarge · Post by **Sarge** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 7:11 am

COSteve wrote:
deerwhacker444 wrote:You should take that and have it mounted on a piece of wood with a plaque and present it to your friend.
That's a great idea. I'll have to give that some thought although I'm not sure he'd see the humor in it. He borrows everything from everyone because he's too cheap to buy things for himself. The dead chrono on a plaque would remind him he's a cheap so and so.

LOL... if you can find a runt rack to attach to it, that would be the icing on the cake.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:55 pm

Deleted

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:36 pm

i have never even hit even a rod on my Beta Master, but have had them fly off from the bullet's shock wave as it passed through on it's way to the target.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:51 am

Well, now that I've got it back running I've realized that, like pilots of retractable gear airplanes, it's not a matter of if but a matter of when. I guess I've been lucky the 10-12 times I've used mine. I'm starting to think maybe a steel angled plate in front would be a good investment.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:16 am

COSteve wrote:Well, he was true to his word and stopped by at lunch with my package. Now I have two chrono's, one for real measurements and the other . . . . . . . well, lets just see.

the one on the left is the loaner now...

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:35 am

OK, Sixgun, here's the way it is. I drive a 9 yr old pickup, live in a 90 yr old shack, own my own Chrony, and go to the islands every year.

Oh, and we never ask for gas money. I don't always drive, either, so it evens out. if the same guy drove every time, then, yes, we would split the cost.

I also make darn sure that my rifle is set up to pass through the center of the rods, not smack the machine. I use a Caldwell rest, measure 15' in front
of the muzzle and set my tripod and Chrony up to be absolutely clear of the bullet with the barrel centered on the bull. Hitting the unit indicates a lazy,
poorly planned range session. Now, watch me wreck mine on the next outing.