A Chrony ~ Now What??

[AzPete]

Well, the postman was nice to me today and I am now the proud owner of a chronograph (Alpha Master Chrony) from Pyramyd. It's to dark outside at the moment to do much shooting but I did manage to get it set up and discover the GrandSon's rubberband gun fires at 11 fps. I have a vague notion of what it's suposed to measure and with a brief once over of the written instructions I don't think getting some information out of it will be to difficult.

I guess my question is: What's the best way to get started? I thought I'd spend my beginning  efforts with my Talon SS. I have an excellent sellection of pellets and own the 12', 18", and 24" barrels in both .177 and .22 caliber. I'd sure would appreciate any insights or directions on where to begin and what works and what doesn't. My problem is I ended up with all the toys and am more than just a little uncertain what direction to go in. Thanks in advance for any assistance given.

Pete

[kirby999]

Congratulations, you just got one of the most useful tools for shooting airguns IMO. It'll tell you how your AG is doing , whether it's up to snuff or sick and needs work . When setting up make sure the lighting over it doesn't have any shadows over it . I've found an overcast day works better sometimes than a sunny one depending on the time of day and position of the sun . I have trouble this time of the year because with the sun lower in the sky(horizon) it tends to throw more shadows from the trees in my backyard . Another tip is pick a spot to aim at on a backstop and shoot at that one spot to get the most consistent readings out of your Chrony . Don't shoot around on a target . Also make sure your Chrony is lined up so you can shoot across the middle of both sensors . I don't know what I'd do without mine. I enjoy just sitting at the bench trying different pellets and guns . I can spend hours doing it. kirby

[TCups]

Pete:

Congratulations on your new purchase.

You will want to get yourself a small log book and start keeping notes and records.  As you acquire a few guns, and maybe make some modifications (for example, changing out a spring and seal), it is good to have a reference recorded about what the airgun was shooting before the modifications.  Add in a variety of pellets and shooting conditions, and the variables multiply.  Written notes are almost the only good way to keep track and learn what there is to be learned about the variables in airgunning.

I found myself a small log book and threaded a velcro strap through the back binding, with the strap long enough to wrap around my upper leg when I am seated.  I think airplane pilots have a similar arrangement for flight logs.  During a shooting session over the Chrony with several airguns and multiple pellets, it is a convenient way to jot notes.

An inexpensive tripod is another good idea.  The Chronies have a threaded mount for a tripod and this is a convenient way to set up the Chrony at various distances outdoors.  A roll of kite cord, or if you are really geeky, a laser pointer can be useful to align the Chrony exactly with the flight path of the pellet for accurate down-range measurements.  Indoors, you may want to consider an incandescent light set up and a jig to align the rifle barrel to shoot straight over the Chrony.  You will want to take care not to shoot the read out display or back sensor accidentally.  Easier to do than you might think.

see:  http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10006&posts=13&highlight=portable%20shooting&highlightmode=1#M79947

[AzPete]

TCups,

I really like your shooting set up. I even saved the photo and will most likely try to duplicate it. I really enjoy having things organizes and everything at arms lenght. Thanks for the suggestions. I had already purchased several log book for data collection. Really a nice set up!!

Thanks
Pete

[AzPete]

Kirby thanks for the tips. I'm really looking forward to getting into this. There's something to be said for having data you can retrieve and look back on rather than just trusting your memory. I forget "stuff" all the time, even recently found my upper plate in the ice cube tray.

Thanks

Pete

[melloroadman]

Pete about the only thing I can add is I do most my chrony work at a indoor range with the florescent lights turned off and a home made light kit turned on over the sun shades . It is a good tool to help you find the proper full rate and the sweet spot of your rifles . As I mentioned in your other post I would like to see what you come up with . I have listed some finding here that I hope might help you as well .Marvin

[kirby999]

I should get a log book , to keep everything organized . I've been just writing stuff down on a sheet of printer paper and then they get lost and I can't find it ,when I need the info. Great suggestion. kirby

[TCups]

If, like me, you shoot from a tripod rest instead of a bench, then this works well.  I cut a slot in the binding of a small memo note book, and threaded a velcro strap (actually two straps stuck together -- the kind used to organize electric cables, found at Home Depot) thru the slot.  My note book has its own little elastic  band to hold it open on a marked page, but a large rubber band would do just as well.  You can stick the pencil or pen under the strap between strings.  It keeps everything out of the way and makes it easy to jot a quick notes without having to put down the air rifle.  Yikes!  Has it actually been since late September since I did any log work?!

[TCups]

BTW, that data was posted in a thread regarding the best ammo for a .20 cal R9:

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=11047&posts=7&highlight=.20%20cal%20groups&highlightmode=1#M85356