by B.B. Pelletier
This report was suggested by reader G., but a lot of you have been talking about chronographs lately, so perhaps this is timely for everyone.
Don’t need no stinking chronograph
When I did the R1 Homebrew series of articles for The Airgun Letter, I needed a chronograph. And as far as I was concerned, that was the first time in my shooting life that I did need one. Up to that point, I considered chronographs to be silly toys that bored shooters used to add spice to their hobby. But when I was faced with the reality of comparing before and after tuning airguns in print, there had to be something more than just my word about how the gun was performing.
The R1 Homebrew articles are what grew into the R1 book that was published in 1995. While attending the Winston-Salem Airgun Expo in 1993, I bought a used F-1 Shooting Chrony for $45. That chrono lasted me about a quarter of the way into the book. I stopped using it when I got spurious velocity readings of 150 f.p.s. slower than should have been the case. The problem was twofold. First, the ancient chronograph I was using had cardboard windows that served as diffuser holders in front of both the start and stop screens. The windows were there to align projectiles over the skyscreens. Tens of thousands of shots had ripped the start screen window to the point that it overhung the start screen lens. I trimmed it back, but if I trimmed it any more the window would have been cut through and would no longer hold the white plastic diffuser, so I allowed some of the cardboard to overhang.
The other problem I had was the distorted shape of the hole through the windows forced me to shoot on a downward slant. That was when I discovered the problem with doing that.
At this point, the decision had already been made to write the R1 book, so Edith and I bit the bullet and bought an Oehler 35P printing chronograph–the gold standard of personal chronographs. That model is no longer available; but if you can use a Windows computer, the Oehler 43 is the same instrument with software to operate on your Windows computer. Several writers use a laptop with their 43, and the printer can be anything the computer hooks up to.
The 35 P was discontinued because the Oehlers were not able to obtain a supply of small printers to go into their chronographs. They are available, but not at wholesale prices in quantities small enough for the Oehler operation. I have more to say about printers later.
For years, I looked down on those who used Shooting Chrony brand chronographs, because the Oehler is such a superior instrument. It has a clock speed of 4 megahertz. At the time, I thought the Chronys were using a 100 kilohertz clock, but that may not be the case. The Oehler also has a second chronograph circuit in the system so you get two readings for every shot. One is a check against the other, and there are warning symbols if the difference is too great.
Then, I decided to write about chronographs. The Oehler 35P was no longer available and besides, does a hobbyist really need that kind of machine? So, I asked Pyramyd AIR to send me a Shooting Chrony Alpha chronograph and I reported on it in August 2005. The instrument I tested was quite an improvement over the old Chrony I had used more than a decade before. It set up easily and no longer had the cardboard windows that caused so much trouble. It probably also has a higher clock speed, though I cannot find any confirmation for that.
As I used the Chrony Alpha, I got used to how quick it was to set up. It sits on a table, making it ideal for my office, where the Oehler skyscreens are too high to align with the pellet trap. So convenience got me using the Chrony more and more. Now, I use the Oehler for articles and in the field, but the Chrony for everything else, which is more than 90 percent of my work.
Here’s the crucial thing. The Chrony doesn’t measure the velocity exactly. Neither does the Oehler. To measure exactly takes more accurate chronographs that are used by laboratories and by weapons testing stations. The skyscreens are separated by many feet distance and they are tailored for exactly what they’re testing.
But for the hobbyist, a Shooting Chrony gives a number that can be trusted. It will be accurate within 99.5 percent accuracy. Not more than one deviation in 200. When measuring something traveling 1,000 f.p.s., the error rate is about 5 f.p.s. That is certainly accurate enough for what we do.
Dr. Ken Oehler once told me that the biggest error in any chronograph was the accurate spacing of the skyscreens. They assume a certain separation which is fed into the formula for velocity calculation; and when that is off by as little as one-eighth inch, the readings are wrong. The Shooting Chrony has solved that problem by its design. When the box unfolds, the skyscreens are always separated by the correct amount. That’s a big plus, because other chronographs including the Oehler use a dimpled steel bar (conduit armor) to locate the screens.
Then, I did what almost all chronograph owners have done at least once. I shot too low and dented the chronograph case. I told Pyramyd AIR about the damage, and they told me to keep the chronograph. I did and have used it ever since. By the way, I also shot up my Oehler skyscreens. I did that while working at AirForce testing the Condor. Same screen got shot–the rear one.
What’s the answer?
So, which chronograph is right for you? Well, if you want to check pellet gun velocities, I recommend a Shooting Chrony Alpha, Beta or even the model F1. The more expensive models have memories and can calculate statistics. The cheaper models cost less.
Are other chronographs okay? Absolutely. Shooting Chrony is the best-known brand on the market, but the others work just as well. Shooting Chrony has a rebuild program if you shoot up your chronograph, and that’s a nice touch, plus I like the convenience of the box design. But any chronograph is better than no chronograph. Now that I’ve had one for a long time, I know more about why they’re good. I’ve shown you several examples recently in this blog, and I will continue to do so as we tune the FWB 124, for example.
What about printers?
Printers are less reliable than chronographs. The one on my Oehler has never malfunctioned, but the Shooting Chrony Ballistic Printer has. It sometimes fails to advance the paper, resulting in several readings printing on top of each other. Pyramyd AIR has recently experienced the same thing, so it happens but not on a regular basis.
If you buy a printer, be prepared to fiddle with it sometimes. It’s great for long strings of shots, but I generally don’t use it for short strings. Just make sure the paper advances after every shot.
Do you need a chronograph? Probably not, unless you know why you do. If all you like to do is shoot, you can forget a chronograph. But if you want to know the health of your airgun, a chronograph is a valuable piece of equipment to own.
Good Morning B.B.,
Interesting article. Thank you. I'm wondering about the computer interface and ballistic software PA sells. Your opinion please and thank you!
Mr B.
They are handy. I have a "Beta".
They get rid of the "Brag" factor.
Such as "My X Brand will shoot 2000fps!".
Mike
Fantastic, thank you BB.
G.
Mr. B.,
I use a MacIntosh computer exclusively, and none of the ballistic software is written for a Mac. So I don't use it. Maybe one of our readers can comment?
B.B.
Thanks BB
I haven’t been able to find the accuracy specifications on the Alpha or Bata chronographs. Now that I know 0.5% + or – (if I read you right) that is good enough for my testing and tuning. This also validates the testing that you and others using the same test equiptment.
Caveman
Vanango County 4-H Deadeyes
Caveman,
I did a fair research for the clock speed of the current Chronys and came up with nothing. But they do give that accuracy specification in the owner's manual, and if it's true, we are very close to where we need to be.
B.B.
Well my blog sign in is working again. This is really wierd. Never know from day to day if I can log in on this blog.
Went on a week or two jag this time and decided not to work. Now with no intervention from me it just started working again.
I popped for a chronograph many many years ago when they were crude and cumbersome. At the time I was hand loading and shooting a lot of different competition disciplines and wanted to know what my loads were doing.
At that time I was not even shooting air guns. Since I have gotten into pellet shooting heavily I have bought a Chrony Alpha because of it's ease of setup and use.
And yep! Hit the back of the case with a pellet. But those things are like a Timex. Still works fine.
As an avid pellet slinger, I simply must have one. Alerts me to problems with a gun which I might not otherwise notice. It also allows me to compare one gun to another and exposes manufacturers who fabricate numbers to sell guns!
Mine cost me about $135 with the light bars and I consider it money well spent.
Mr B.
Re: Discovery power adjuster
You can make one yourself. Here is a good how-to video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IN_4quXIo8
Otherwise, you can buy one from TKO for $24 shipped.
Hey neat! I finally signed on here! It took about 15 mins or longer of trying to get past the initial entering email address, failed, enter with '@', failed, use complete domain name, failed don't use @gmail, failed use @, failed…
frustrated, deep breath, read the instructions, oh yeah, LOG IN! duh! LOL!
anyway, nice info on the chronographs. I'm not there yet, but it's good reading.
dsw
Can anyone tell me how much extra power you can get out of the Discovery with the power adjuster?
I bought my Chrony used off e-Bay, something which is virutally risk free given Chrony's exchange progam. Definately worth considering if you are on the fence on one – just watch e-Bay for a month or so until you find one you like.
The unexpected bonus use of it has been with my kids and their Nerf guns – they have had lots of fun testing the different guns and types of ammo in their collection. It has been a great learing tool, plus I'm using it and the data they get to teach them the basics of statistics.
Alan in MI
Hello B.B.,
Like Mr. B, I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has hooked their shooting chrony to a laptop to automatically record the velocity data. The round stereo jack on the RS232 adapter that Shooting Chrony sells with their software has 3 segments for a standard RS232 message.
I really don't want the software, I just want to collect the data. Anybody done this or seen any other forum posts about it?
Thanks a bunch,
Lloyd
I have used a chrony for some time & I am just a casual shooter. I find it is good for testing & comparing different pellets. I had a old (made in China) plastic chrony that I traded in for a Gamma Master with printer.
Slinging Lead,
Interesting video. I should have done some thinking rather than just following along with him. Didn't quite get the second end cap screw out when it shot through my Alpha Chrony at about 833 fps.
Too bad it went through an outside wall, never to be seen again. I'd sure like to know what it weighed so I could figure out its foot pounds of energy. Wronder what Mike at TKO will charge to add one to his kit?
Guess I should have known enough to have used my degasser before I started this simple little project.
Amazing,
Mr B.
B.B.
Great article.
I think it was Chuck who mentioned that they screw right on a camera tripod. I tried that, and was able to set up the crony about 2' from the end of the barrel with the gun rested in a bench rest. The tripod makes it easy to adjust for a perfect line up.
Now, that I've got piles of weighed pellets, when testing a gun or pellets, I have all the data needed to really find out what's happening…. or at least, that I have a problem and where it is…. I'll let Vince solve it!
He found a burr on the end of the barrel on the Bronco that I sent him… now she's shoots those 1/2" groups like she should.
BTW. the shots had a very tight spread with the Broncos I've tested so far.
Wacky Wayne, MD.
Ashland Air Rifle Range
I should have looked more closely at the TKO page. It seems the Discovery power adjuster is only available with a custom pistol or rifle.
The power adjusters are available at a certain online store, but they are a competitor of PA, so I will leave it to Google to direct people there.
Mr B.
I am glad you were not hurt. What kind of accuracy did you get with that end cap screw?;^)
Slinging Lead,
You might say that it's shooting minute of wall.
Mr B.
B.B.,
Ballistic computer for Mac…. http://sourceforge.net/projects/balcomp/files/
Homepage is here: http://ballisticslib.sourceforge.net/
G.
As I have stated before I can attest to the Chrony’s ability to take a licking and still keep ticking. They wisely locate the sensor well below the opening, so errant shots cause the appearance to be less desirable but that is it. Not a bad idea to clean those lenses with a Q-tip and some alcohol now and then.
While pellets and rifle are the only necessities, a Chrony should be your first purchase when you turn pro. The peace of mind is certainly worth the price of admission, along with numerous other benefits.
Cases in point, I had the pleasure of shooting a NOS R8 that limped over the Chrony at 400 fps last week. While I could tell by the sound she was sick, newer shooters may not have guessed this.
In contrast my new to me but used R7 proved her metal when she actually shot just above the posted specifications for her on a competitor’s web site. I think PA would do well by including similar chrony information; this would no doubt save on returns.
Mr B, have you tried the free software on the Hawke Scopes web site?
Volvo
Fred / Kevin
Thanks for the encouraging words on my Artllery Hold Post.
Will be trying different pellets as I perfect the repeatability of my hold on the gun.
I should point out that my HW97K in .177 has never been as hold sensitive as this Gamo .22 and I think that the HW lulled me into hold complacency. But… then again, a BMW steering mechanism is not as "hold sensitive" as a '72 Ford Pinto either! (Just kidding Gamo, with the addition of the Charlie da Tuna Trigger and the Gas Piston, this Gamo is a great gun)
NEW SPRING GUN SHOOTERS TAKE NOTE: The fancy checkering on your wood stock is mostly for looks, practice the artillery hold! Go see Tom's video on You Tube or the PA site, you won't be dissapointed!
Brian in Idaho
Wayne,
The tight shot spread is due to the removal of that unnecessary oil hole. Now we have a gun that works as it should.
I have complained about the box to Pyramyd AIR. We designed a real great American-made box. One that anyone would be proud to own. But a marketing decision allowed the Mexicans to try to duplicate our idea, and of course we then worried about the price until there was no hope for anything decent.
The problem is, add two dollars to the manufacturing cost and you drive the retail price up by ten.
B.B.
Thanks B.B.
Is there a recommended distance spread to measure velocity deltas for accurate BC calculation? I only have 14 yards in my back yard, and I often wonder if that's enough. The BC's I get are sometimes nowhere near those on Chairgun3.
– Orin
G.,
Thanks for the source.
B.B.
Orin,
Actually the ballistic coefficient changes as the velocity changes, so I would think that a 14-yard separation would be fine. But this isn't my field of expertise. Sombody?
AJVenom,
On yesterday's blog you mentioned the Bisley adjustable butt pad. Do you like this better than the Morgan? Do you know if it will fit the RWS Diana Models 52 and 54, and 350 Magnum? Is much sanding/fitting needed?
Thanks,
AlanL
Volvo,
Imagine that R8 was a smooth shooter only doing 400fps. LOL!
kevin
F-1 SHOOTING CHRONY
Got mine a few months back, first time to own one.
Work great, really takes the mystery out of the results of cleaning, lubrication, small tweeks and changes to triggers, valves and power-plants.
I was able to monitor the velocity improvements from my work on my Benjamin EB 22 pistol. Stock was 413 to 422 fps with Crosman Premier and after several tweeks and improvements, now shooting 468 to 477 fps (still playing with hammer springs for best fit and function).
I think most important aspect of Chrony is to note if you have done something detrimental to performance!
Brian in Idaho
That cracks me up about the people who don't bother to shoot at targets. They just shoot into a wall to test velocity. Anyone want to confess….? 🙂
AlanL, clever to hide the guns in the closet. But how do you shoot them? Besides the women I've known have a way of finding what's in closets.
Matt61
Matt61,
Alas, there's no escaping that! So far I've been able to get away with it because when she sees me shooting one gun looks just like another to her. Wait til I try shooting two at once, like Annie Oakley!
-AlanL
Brian,
You said a mouthful there! Sometimes we make changes and don't realize that we are our own worst enemies.
b.B.
Everyone,
At the risk of alienating all spouses with what I'm about to tell you, here is how to hide a new airgun. IN PLAIN SIGHT.
Simple have so many airguns (they all look alike to anyone who is not an airgunner) that one more never seems different. It's like sedimentary rock. Most people just see rock. Only geologists see the constituent parts.
Time to let your airgun collection accrete!
B.B.
B.B.,
As if we needed additional proof of what a willing and wanton enabler you are.
kevin
B.B.,
Great advice, but the challenge is in getting over that hurdle of the first half dozen or so . . . . going from 1 to 2 is extremely obvious, 2 to 3 still obvious but less so, if you get my drift.
I had been struggling with my desired move from just my one gun (a Quest 800) to an additional Maurauder, but your advice seems to suggest buying several more lower cost springers as camoflauge for the M-Rod . . . .
Alan in MI
Re Buying More Airguns
Great advice BB but… when I get my first PCP rifle, how do I hide the Air Tank!?
I know, I'll fabricate a 60 watt lamp & shade that clamps to the valve and call it my "garage lamp"!
Brian in Idaho
(airgun addicted and not looking for a cure!)
B.B.
I learned that technique about 2 years ago.. and now look at me!
I had to call it an "Air Rifle Range" and get business tax deductions to make all happy!.. and I keep some boxes of guns going out, as others are coming in.. that helps a lot!
Boy am I a happy camper.. I was buying some more 45 LC on gunbroker.. While talking about payment, he mentioned he had a guy coming over to work in his garden!
Ended up trading raised garden bed kits for 1,500 rounds of .45lc cowboy load ammo!
And a deal to reload the empties for me!
OOOHHH is life good!
Wacky Wayne, MD. Ashland Air Rifle Range
A friend of mine once told me how he got all the various cameras by his wife.
They had a piano in their living room, which, because he was an avid photographer always had at least a couple of camera on it.
His trick was to sneak a new purchase into the house and set it on the piano.
When his wife would has if this was a new camera, he'd look at her with a bit of a hurt look and say 'what to you mean…that's been my favorite camera for years'.
He said he was pretty sure she was on to him…but she always played along.
'Course, as he said, he had to reciprocate whenever she sorrowfully looked at him and told him 'what do you mean…you know how much I love these earrings'.
Ain't married life grand.
CowBoyStar Dad
AlanL.
You might get your wife to try out the Bronco.. (to get a female tester before your daughter gets it)..
Hopefully she gets hooked like you, and the family has a fun thing to do together!
Be sure to tell her that's your goal.. "family together time"
Then you could add more Broncos as part of the diversion… besides.. you'll soon be selling the high power springers and trading for a marauder or AAs400.
Wacky Wayne. MD. Ashland Air Rifle Range
Wayne,
The trick will be to first figure out how to explain how come I skipped the kids tuition payment this month…
;-))
AlanL
Alan.
I know how to get past that hurdle, too, but after Wayne's stringent remarks I think I will keep my enabling mouth shut! : )
B.B.
It really is better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.
Folks,
a bit off-topic here but I thought some of you would like an update on my quest for a .22 rimfire. My buddy in Charlotte says he's on to a 541 and a 541T. I believe the 541 comes with a scope and the T at least has the receiver tapped for scope rings and comes with them.
He says the 541 is $300 and if the guy (apparently same person owns both) wants to part with the 541T, maybe $425. I told him buy both (one for me and one for my son) and we'll settle up.
Hope this is the right decision as opposed to the Savage Mark II with the Bull Barrel. Comments welcome….
Fred PRoNJ
Brian in Idaho,
Hang a piece of hose from the air tank and call it a fire extinguisher!:)
Volvo,
I've downloaded the program, but that's as far as its gone.
AlanL,
Wife, kids and I each had a Pioneer .177 rifle. Some of our friends called us the Dalton Gang. Wayne is correct–get her shooting if possible.
Mr B.
B.B. is obviously spoiled by being married to Edith.
Many others will have hell to pay when hidden rifles are discovered. It is easy to hide a tree in a forest. Much harder to hide a tree in a desert.
I dread the day when my OCD spouse decides to organize my closet for me in my absence.
The only thing I will be able to say in my defense is: "I gave you a Benjamin Discovery!" (I may as well have given her a bowling ball with my name on it.)
God bless forgiving women.
I'm working on it… I think I've got her tempted, but I have this sneaking sensation that the target she's itching to aim at is not my fabulous new trap but my paunch!
-AlanL
Alan, a hand pump looks like a bicycle pump to non-airgunners 🙂
To increase your collection pick up airguns at the flea markets or estate sales. They can't complain about $5 here and $20 there!
Thanks B.B. for your info on the Browning 800 Mag. I think I will wait on that purchase sounds like it maybe overrated.
BB,
Today I received my Bronco. I'm happy. I think I would rather have an aperatue sight on the rear. Is the Mendoza at Pyramyd a good choice?
Slinging lead,
I tell him all the time that he's spoiled, but he claims this is the correct order of things and that other marriages function the same as ours.
Edith
Fred,
Well, I'm very partial to the old Remingtons.. I think they hold there value (or gain) well.. and you get a great shooter too!
That price seems about right, if the guns are in 90% shape.
Keep us posted, I want to see how they shoot for you… I sure like my old Remingtons.
AlanL,
Derrick is also right, beg forgiveness… over dinner out.. alone.
Also, see if the child care folks want to trade for one of the large springers… or lessons for kids and guns:-)
Wacky Wayne
Edith,
All I can say is "RRRRiiiiighhhttt Tom… sure thing.. keep telling yourself that!
You be a special woman! period.
and Tom knows it.. he just doesn't want YOU to know it!
And when you finally get pissed at him, just remember who wants that USFT in the corner of the closet:-)
WV- "numsuppe"… that's what AlanL. is getting while on restriction…
Wacky Wayne
Oerlikon,
if you can wait until Friday, I will test the Mendoza aperture sight on the Bronco for you.
I got one because I knew that would be the question everyone wanted answered. So there is another report to come.
B.B.
Edie,
Other marriages DO function the same as ours. Can't you tell all these guys are just pulling my chain?
In fact, many of them suggest that I also be allowed to have a tractor and a motorcycle, just because that's what they would do. : ))
B.B.
Tom,
I'm not THAT gullible 🙂
Edie
BB
Actually… that would be a New 45ft deluxe motor home with built-in 10 meter range that is towing a fully equipped workshop/trailer with the Harley and ALL of the new airgun collection inside.
Brian in Idaho
Wayne,
It's best to casually mention over dinner with like-minded friends who also appreciate nice guns that you just "acquired" another. Spouse tends to not overreact as your friends Ohhh and Ahhhh. And "acquire" sounds better than "maxed out the Visa".
Or just have your spouse call me and I'll explain some of the other things you could be doing with your time and money. After all, I'm here to help.
Brian,
We had a membership that allowed us to use a Class A RV for several weeks a year. We took 2 trips. I'd rather have several root canals than take another trip in an RV. I've gotten accustomed to water & toilet facilities that are permanently attached to their sources!
Edith
RV's,
ah, the days when I'd throw a change or two of clothes into a duffle bag, sling it on the seat of the Yamaha along with the tent, and take off for Yellowstone or T Roosevelt Nat'l Park, or the Badlands or Twin Falls, ID and watch Evil Knievel (god rest his sou) jump into the Snake River Canyon. RV's? We don't need no stinking RV's. Except when it rained like the hammers of hell or dropped below 30 deg at Mt. Rushmore.
Wayne, my buddy thinks the 541's may be close to 95%. I will report as things unfold.
Fred PRoNJ
Edith
You and my wife have the same taste in "RV-ing".
Her idea of camping is room service at the Ritz!
Brian in Idaho
Yamaha, Edith. Fred said Yamaha.
That's a type of motorcycle, not a keyboard.
People sit on them and go places. Happy places.
B.B.
Edith,
My wife "lets" me have all the motorcycles and tractors I want.
Tom needs a new tractor to work the back forty… when I was there, them fields needed plowin sumin terrible!
We wouldn't want him walkin hind the mule now would we?
Now, Tom, when the tractor gets there, ship me the USFT.. deal is a deal..
Wacky Wayne
I don't want to step on any toes by getting back on topic… 🙂 …but here's another chrony tip that I learned the hard way:
If you place it on a flat surface instead of a tripod, make sure it's really flat.
At one point, I was using a patio furniture pillow or folded blanket to prop it up on my shooting table, and I was getting pretty consistent readings for each group, but the numbers would change when I repositioned it. I didn't realize what was happening until one time when I tried to use two pieces of square tubing like dunnage – one under the front and one under the rear. After a few shots, I saw the chrony fold (droop) in the middle where it was unsupported, bringing the skyscreens closer together. It was doing the same thing on the softer fabric and pillows, to a lesser degree.
Using a tripod, this isn't an issue because the back half hangs free and gravity does its part to keep the chrony completely unfolded.
– Orin
I gots a moped, honda 50 express, honda 70c, 3 honda 90 trails, a 90 enduro, and honda 125 enduro..
Edith,
You can't let Tom live with "motocycoism" envy… soon it will spread to the cats… you don't want that, now does ya.
I'll trade ya any and all of the above for the USFT.
Don't forget the old Beach Boy song…
First gear it's alright, second gear, hang on tight,(that's the good part), third gear, lean right…. faster, it's alright!
Wacky Wayne
THAT'S RIGHT, Edith… people sit on motorcycles to go places. Like the ICU, the ER, the morgue…
Vince,
I'M WORKIN HERE!
is you raining on my parade?
Don't be stating the facts to confuse the issue at hand here:-)
Wacky Wayne
Vince,
Finally, a voice of reason! I knew somebody would eventually see it my way.
Edith
Vince!
You are not helping.
B.B.
Vince,
see what ya done!
I was just about to close.. I just know it!
Wacky Wacky Wayne
Orin,
Great tip. I had not thought of that before.
B.B.
Wayne,
Although a BMW R26 or R27 would be my fantasy bike, I coveted a 305 Dream back when I attended San Jose State in the '60s.
It's nothing like the Beemer, but what a smooth, svelt machine.
I actually owned a 305 Superhawk at the time and yet coveted the Dream which was heavier, slower and less powerful. So I was an loner, even in my misspent youth.
B.B.
B.B.,
Do you think your XL-1100 power plant was faulty from the start, or did it lose pressure over time (i.e. – was the cocking effort always 32 lbs?)
– Orin
The "Happy places" is reffering to the drugs you're on when you are in the places that Vince mentioned.
Seriously, I've been thinking more and more about getting a chrony for quite some time. Bad news is I don't have the money right now. Good news is that I'm not married so if I did have the money she wouldn't care if I spent it!
Blowgunner..
Let this be a lesson on where to search for a wife..
AT the RANGE! or the gun store.. or in this case the moto cyco shop.
Wacky Wayne
Orin,
We are talking about the first XL 1100, right? Not the replacement.
It always cocked with light effort. That was why I made such a big deal out of it before measuring the effort on a scale. I thought (and hoped) Crosman had found a way to get tremendous power from a light-cocking spring piston gun.
I think the factory just pressurized the gas spring of that first gun too low. In my years of messing with gas springs I've only seen a very few of them leak. And one of those was a Theoben that I owned.
B.B.
B.B.
The 125 is all the power I want on two wheels.. and those wheels are for off road!
Maybe that's the key to Edith's OK… a promise to stay out of traffic! You'll only ride it on the back forty:-) .. when your done plowin..
Wacky Wayne
B.B.,
Yes, the first one. Got it – thanks.
– Orin
blowgunner62,
Buying a chronograph is like buying new sox or underwear. Mundane at the very best.
But OWNING a chronograph is like having a Swiss Army knife at the exact moment when some supermodel needs to use a fish de-hooker–if such things ever happen.
It's a tool you will never regret buying, but the act of buying it is boring.
B.B.
Wayne,
That is the exact structure of the deal I made with Edith. Off road and on our property–along with my Johnny Popper model B (styled) or Harvester model B.
B.B.
B.B.
Alright, then we have a deal!
I'll be over tomorrow with the hondas and pick up that old USFT..
It took me two days last time.. but I'll put her into hyper mode and be there in the morning… breakfast again? I'm buying this time!
Wacky Wayne
Vince,
Thanks man. I had to wipe away the tears before I could see these keys. Best laugh I've had all in a long time.
I put a R750/5 together from two wrecks and put almost 100k on it before I stopped riding.
Mr B.
PS B.B. What were you fishing for?
Motorcycles, tractors, fish hooks and supermodels……. We are all in a happy place today! Sorry to bring you down but back to chronys…
I’m not sure that the clock speed is as critical as the distance between the sensors being consistent. Even at a slow clock speed of 100kilohertzs (1,000,000 times per second) and the sensors one foot apart; looking at a pellet going 1,000 feet per second the error would only be 0.01% + or -. However an 1/8” discrepancy in sensor distance would equate to a 1% + or – error. I hope somebody checks my thought possess as well as my math. Jane, Herb this stuff has got to be up your ally, HELP!
Caveman
Vanango County 4-H Deadeyes
Mr. B.,
That's funny. Edith just asked me the same thing.
B.B.
Caveman
Stay out of electronics.
100 kilohertz does not equal 1,000,000 hz.
twotalon
Caveman,
Yep. That's what Ken Oehler said, too. Screen spacing was super-critical.
By the way, I think you want to knock off one zero from your number. 🙂
B.B.
Caveman, one too many 0's. 100 KHz is 100,000… not 1,000,000. That would be 1 megahertz (MHz).
For 1000fps and a 1' spread (as on the Shooting Chrony), that would mean 100 ticks between sensor trips. Time between sensors = 1/1000 sec, or .001 sec. Multiply that by 100,000 cycles/sec and you get 100 cycles between sensors, which equates to a resolution of 10fps.
nice video link slinging lead…
I love the power adjuster on my disco. I may have to pick a fancy one up someday. I always wondered why many of them were so shiny until I dropped mine. Mine is set up to lighten the blow and therefore the power and noise while improving thr shot count.
I do have to say that one should be careful in adding power just by whacking the valve more harder, especially with a stock valve. You don't want to ruin anything.
LOL…I had a moped….
It's more like:
First gear is alright
First gear it's not a bike
First gear this bites
faster it might……..down hill with the wind and running along side of it.
although at 75 mpg…you could drive it around all day for a buck or two.
Wayne & BB – are you guys done? I'm sure that Edith will have none of it.
It sounds like that between us, we've made all of the mistakes that there are to make.
WV = colock = clock with an extra "0".
Everyone hear that the Little Rock airgun show is back on? Same dates but location moved 20 miles down the road.
kevin
Well the weather down here in SW Georgia has really got better. That is both good and bad for shooting outside. I shoot a co2 pistol which likes the 70 deg temp. But just as you line up a shot you get a swarm of those darn gnats in your face. Talk about distracting, trying to wave them off and take a shot before they come back.
On another note: I was stupid an ran out of pellets for my 22 pistol (never do that again). Anyway ran to the local walmart all they had in .22 was Daisy Precision Max, 14.3gr, flat nose. Can't say I would buy them again but all in all they weren't to bad as an emergency pellet for fun as I await my shipment from PA for better quality pellets. But hey, they were only $3 and I get shoot while I wait for my shipment.
BB,
my second bike was a CL77. That was the Honda 305 engine in a "scrambler" frame. Actually, just high pipes and a skid plate on a tubular frame, probably the same as your Superhawk.
Anyway, much to wifey's dismay, I shot another bug in the kitchen tonight with the Discovery. It appeared to be one of those round, flat potato (potatoe? Where's Quail when you need him?) like bugs but it didn't die. Had to deliver the coup de foot. 🙂
On the bright side, no mark on the ceiling.
Fred PRoNJ
rikib,
Wayne was looking for an eco-friendly solution, which oil is not, and he must have had a desire to smell good, too, so he chose coconut oil.
As far as rolling pellets in oil, I think my comment got over proportionized. I'm not OCD on this, I merely roll a new batch around a bit to make sure they're evenly coated before using them else they would only be coated on one side (and cause lead buildup on one side of the barrel, ha, ha). No, I don't get a black finger rolling them. Well, maybe a tiny bit. Before I started coating them I used to get really black finger tips. Must be some chemical I exude that causes a reaction. That's it for me on pellet coating. I will bring it up again next year to see if Wayne's been devoured by monkey hordes yet.
-C
BB,
I've noticed there's not a whole lot of friction between the paper and the feed roller on mine but I haven't had a feed problem. Check the paper spool tension on the wire mounting bracket. If you just barely tap it it should over-run the spool. The rolls I bought have plastic spools that spin freely on the wire bracket.
-Chuck
To all:
Just wanted to touch base on todays blog topic. I got a chrono about 15 years ago when I was into paintball pretty heavy and now use it for my airgun hobby. Having had one for a while and knowing how to properly use made my decision to get a pcp rifle a bit easier. There is no way that I could have gotten the best out my M-rod without a chrono, period. I'm not saying that you HAVE to get a chrono if you get a pcp, but you really should; even if you have to save up a little longer.
I own a different brand than what PA carries, a ProChrono. Having used both brands when I was paintballing, I will say they both do the job equally well. The thing I liked about the one I have is that it is completely enclosed in a plastic case. So if you see a good deal on one somewhere don't be afraid to get it, …… it's better than not having any chrono!!!
David H.
Whew! What have I wrought here, with my guns in the closet… Seriously folks, my wife Loves me!
But a word of advice to all: Do Not take over the entire kitchen table nearing dinner time to disassemble the cocking lever of your air gun.
Tom, forget the motorcycles! If Edith is anything like my mom & dad were, your case is pretty hopeless. He bought a surplus Triumph after the war in '46, then an Indian in '49 and a some BMW or other in 1953. My mother happily rode in the back, all the time. And when I wanted a minibike in the worst way when they were all the rage in 1972, what did my parents say? NO! Period!!
Well Tom, your Plan B really IS much better. I couldn't agree with you more. Hot air ballooning is so much fun, so peaceful, such gorgeous views, nice stable shooting platform, and that cute wicker basket– and you have those perfect 40 acres out back just waiting to land on… Oh, you Hadn't gotten around to mentioning that to Edith either yet?? Oops- didn't mean to let that cat out of the bag (not that Edith would ever miss it!)
And to think that USFT for Wayne was going to pay for most of it… sorry Wayne, messed That up for you… Again!
Now where in the closet did I hide that 350 once more?
-AlanL
Also,
To whomever mentioned Chairgun on this blog a few days ago, thank you, thank you, Thank You. I downloaded the free Chairgun Pro off of the Hawke website last friday and have been fidlling with it ever since. It is soooo cool. Learned quite a few things about trajectories, sight in distances, trajectories on an incline (esp. usefull when shooting tree rats way up in the top of that sweet gum), and other great stuff. I even set up the reticle mil-dot spacing so I could know exactly where my pellet should land for each mil-dot on MY scope, and it worked!!! Testing my M-rod with kodiaks zeroed at 35 yds, and tilting up 2 mil-dots for 58 yds. and shazam, put a five shot group right on target. Before I was having to do it the hard way at the range by trial and error. Now I can make my balistic chart first on the computer and then check IT at the range. Much quicker, and less ammo wasted. I'm so happy!!
David H.
Off topic here. I was wondering if there is a chance you could make it up to the NTAGM shoot in April 17/18 in Fort Worth. Great location well worth the drive from down south.
Vince,
Thank you, that makes sense to me. I need things broke down to the simplest form. The funny thing about it is I end up with extra zeros when I’m shooting as well.
Twotalon,
Believe me I do try to stay out of electronics they terrify me. I still use a balance beam style powder scale to weight pellets. This is also why I am afraid to use a chronograph by not understanding how it works I’m trusting on blind faith in that digital read out.
Caveman
Vanango County 4-H Deadeyes
B.B.
Yhanks again for the info on the Browning 800 Mag. I was looking at PA's sale/closeouts page, what are your thoughts on the Crosman T4 OPS. I know reviews there seem decent but opinions here seem to have more value to me. I don't hunt, but was thinking that the T4 being both a bb and pellet gun added to my 2240 might be a nice rounding out for an amateur returning after several decades and on a low budget. Try to keep it plain and simple as I'm trying to learn the tech terms here. By the way don't suggest rifles, never liked them even after 20 years of service, pistols were always my game. Thanks
David H,
Chairgun IS a great program. One of the best and free-est of it's kind, in my opinion. However, while Chairgun will get you in the ballpark, there are way too many variables (temp, humidity, pressure, etc.) acting on your gun, scope, and that little peice of lead for it to be able to guarantee the kind of precision we would all like.
For instance, you can spend all day gathering data like average velocities and ballistics coefficients for a specific gun and a presorted batch of ammo. Then you can plug all these figures, as well as environmental variables, into Chairgun. Then you can print a scope cap sticker and a sidewheel label and even a whole trajectory chart to tape to your monte carlo cheek piece. Then you can wake up the next morning, take an absolutely critical 80-yard shot with that same gun, same ammo, and same settings, and miss by two inches.
The only way to ensure your pellet lands exactly where you want it to on any given day (especially with springers) is to take some practice shots and fine-tune your holdover, parallax adjustments, etc, like they do in FT. It's one of the things that makes longer range pellet hunting so very difficult. It's not like you can ask the prey to wait while you take a test shot. 🙂
– Orin
Orin,
Amen.
I like chairgun software. But…the only thing I use it for is to print out the reticle chart to tape to the inside of my scope cover after entering my numbers.
Unless you actually shoot at distances for your elevation, temperature, pellet, humidity, etc. chairgun is merely estimating. I like shooting with actual numbers. Good for you.
kevin
Kevin,
Yeah, same here. If we were less anal, we wouldn't have chosen air gunning as a hobby, right?
I also use Chairgun for optimizing zeroing distances when trying out new hunting ammo. And I must admit that the trajectory graphs are nice eye candy for demonstrating how different pellets stack up in the same gun with equalized variables.
– Orin
ajvenom,
When I was assigned to the Armor School at Ft. Knox I had a Suzuki 800, which is a pretty big cruiser and a moped. I rode that moped to work many days because the traffic on the military installation was so well-regulated it was pretty safe.
The neat thing about mopeds is going 50 miles on a quart of fuel.
B.B.
Kevin,
I found out last night about the new airgun show in Hot Springs. I will call the guy today and announce the details at the start of Thursday's blog.
I hope you can still come.
B.B.
Rikib,
Daisy pellets are often a good backup pellet. In the cheaper guns they will often do as well as premium pellets.
B.B.
Fred,
Of course I remember the 305 Scrambler. It was a heavy bike for a scrambler, but back then we didn't know that much about off road bikes.
I owned a Bultaco Metralla for a couple years. That was a road version of a Bultaco, which were far more famous for their dirt bikes. So I road it off-road, which it wasn't suited for at all.
I guess we always want what we don't have.
B.B.
Chuck,
Thanks for that paper spool comment. My current spool is paper, so I'll look for some new rolls with plastic spools. That may solve the problem.
B.B.
Ron,
I went to your website to learn what NTAGM is. It's a wonderful site with great information, but I found nothing explaining WHAT you shoot. Is this field target? Benchrest? Silhouette?
What do you do at this shoot?
I live in a suburb of Ft. Worth, so the drive would be easy. But AirForce Airguns are made in Ft. Worth, as well. Have you thought of inviting them? They do attend local events when they are invited.
On that weekend I may be working one of the two days, but I'd like to at least swing by and see what you have.
Will YOU be attending the new airgun Show in Hot Springs AR at the end of April?
B.B.
Rikib,
I found the T4 Ops to be a fragile gun that is subject to fall apart in use. It is very nice as long as it works, but a touch too sensitive for me.
B.B.
B.B.,
I also found out late last night that the Little Rock/Hot Springs show was back on.
Need to talk to the "boss". Reminds me, I need to buy some flowers today.
kevin
Way back blog
BB,
A year or two back you described a new way to pump an SSP pistol (in your post on the Izzy or the Gamo Compact) to get extra muzzle velocity: you pumped the cocking lever part way a couple of times and then did the full stroke. And you did get a significant increase. I think I figured it out…
Whenever you compress the air in the cylinder, the temperature goes up. Because the mass of air is much smaller than the mass of the cylinder, the temperature falls. I think your extra pumps actually served to prewarm the metal of the chamber a few degrees, and that kept the air you compressed for the shot warmer for some few seconds. Warmer air in the same volume will have a higher pressure so more energy available to the pellet.
So it's reasonable that you got better performance! Good idea, and a good puzzle too!
–pete