I've had the Superchrono for a while and I'll share my experience with it.
I love the size of it! It's small, lightweight and easy to pack and set up. No more hassling with diffusion screen and rods.
I haven't lost a shot with it yet, neither in rain, snow or darkness. Once set up properly (see below) I find it a very accurate and reliable chronograph.
Due to it's relative short distance between the sensors, it is very sensitive to alignment. The chrono has a set of "iron sights" to help you sight it in properly to your target. I have found these to be less than adequate. I found that even when Ccarefully setting up the chrono according to the manufactures instructions and shoot a couple of strings, moved to next target, aligned the chrono carefully to rifle and target again, I was getting variations in velocity between the two strings shot with the same load. Some times more, some times less, but a clear tendency every time.
After having experienced this on more than one time on the range. I emailed the manufacturer whom confirmed that the chrono needs to be perfectly aligned parallel to the actual path of the bullet to make an accurate reading
I have found now found a way to limit this problem and are now using an inclinometer when setting up the chronograph.
I put the rifle on target, setting it up with a stock pack etc. I'll try to leave the reticle on the spot on target I intend to hit. Then I measure the angle on the barrel.
Then I put the same angle on the base of the chrono, pointing it in line with the barrel towards the target.
An inclinometer "App" on a smartphone is doing the same job, if not even better.
The display is placed on the top with slightly angled towards the shooter. The intentions is to be able to read the display when shooting from a bench, and since the chrono can measure the bullet 3ft above the sensors you should be able to set it up is such a way that you can read the display without braking position.
I have found this not to work out well in real life. Unless placed under some kind of cover, the display is angled so it will reflect the sky and the slightest cloud cover will render the display almost unreadable. It is also imposable to make a reading when shooting from prone without braking position.
This is not a big issue since the chrono is reading all your shots and you can step trough your strings after ended shooting. I still think it's kind of a design flaw though.
I took it to the range last week, haven't used it since before christmas, just to find that the batteries had drained. I had the same battery in my Shooting Chrono for years so I expected that this would be the case with the Superchrono. From now on I will remove the batteries between use (you will need to use an Allan wrench to open the battery latch though, so it's a little hazzle and don't forget to bring the tools
).
Jo
