I’m looking to buy an entry-level chronograph. I don’t need the computer graphing stuff - just a readout is good enough for me.
Any recommendations?
I use the Alpha Shooting Chrony.
It does everything I need.
I have a F-1 shooting Chrony and does everything that I want. Maybe the best$75 that I spent.
We had a high power shooter tell us that the F1 chrony was acceptable for pistol loads at best. I used one to confirm my rifle loads. The velocity spreads were pretty wide… 40-50 fps on 5 round strings.
I think it’ll get you fairly close.
I have a Shooting Chrony, the red one. I think it’s an Alpha, but I’m can’t remember.
32 shot string, provides AVG, ES, SD stats.
A bit tempermental if it’s clear and sunny, you must use sky screens and even then it can miss a shot. I live in CO and shoot at around 6,000 ft elevation, so UV is a problem. maybe not a problem if you are lower, and definitely no problem if cloudy or hazy.
If you get a Shooting Chrony, get the ones that have a remoted control&display unit that you set on your bench. Much easier to read the numbers right in front of you than the ones that are 15ft away. Otherwise you’ll need the remote control unit which allows you to scroll through functions and reset it from the bench (but the display is still integral w/the chrono, 15ft away).
I’ve got a Beta Master Chrony, and it does every bit as good a job on rifle loads as does my friend’s PACT. I think demigod’s high power shooting friend might not be an expert on chronographs. 
The Beta Master has the remote readout/controls (wonderful to have) and will calculate mean, SD and ES for you. It has the ability to remember six ten-shot strings (I just write them down as they are shot) for later printout.
I had one of the original Shooting Chronys back in the late '80s - man, they’re much easier to use now. You might consider replacing the metal rods that hold the sunshades with wooden dowels - less drama if (when!) you shoot one that way. In the arc-lamp NM sun, I often have to pay attention to how the electric eyes are getting shaded, and have jerry-rigged some supplemental shades out of paper plates for when they’re needed.
Their warranty service is fast and no-hassle, too.
It’s possible. But he knows a lot more than I do. I can’t even speak on his level. He’s a precision shooting guru, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a chronograph guru.
I should have asked him more about it, but it does make sense that the cheapest chronograph you can get wouldn’t be a precision instrument.
Like I said, I used an F1 for my loads, and it worked good enough to let me know my velocities were where they should be.
He might well be a chronograph expert, but the statement that the Chronys are good for no more than clocking handgun loads is bovine excrement. I’ve been handloading for over twenty years and chronographing my loads for almost as long, and the Chronys give accurate results. 
The F1 specifically is what he was talking about. (the base model) Not the entire Chrony line.
Again… I’m not certain of his knowledge on Chronograph models because I didn’t dig deeper into the subject, and his accuracy measurement needs are different than mine. He’s measuring Camp Perry loads. Based on my spreads I’d guess that my F1 was within 40 fps of accuracy which is good enough for building bulk ammo.
You can buy a whole package of those cheap, wood skewers (to grill with) to use instead of the metal rods. They fit great. And if you break or lose them, it won’t matter.
Quartz or mechanical?
Or am I getting forums mixed up? 
The Shooting Chrony models are all pretty affordable and accurate. Like jmart says, get a “Master” model with a remote display, makes things much easier.
Someone in a magazine tested the current commercially available chronographs in a magazine against an Oehler 35 (?). They all gave average velocities within a few fps and sd’s within a couple fps. Of course it was a test in a controlled environment with only one of each model being tested, so your results may vary.
The guts (sensors and electronics) of the entire Chrony line are pretty much identical.
You can covert a F1 to Alpha (statistics… Measures High, Low and Average Velocities, Extreme Spread and Standard Deviations) by adding a remote switch or making one yourself from a set of stereo headphones by splicing the wires.
The Beta and Gamma models feature a PC interface and additional memory capability, but do you really need 500-shot memory or a shot-to-shot timer?
Choose the “Master” version of any model for a remote display in lieu of the onboard display. Personally I find the remote display unnecessary since the onboard LED is easy to read. If you can do irons at 100 yards, you can read the display at 10 feet. YMMV.
Start with an F-1 for around $70, and upgrade as you need. For a nominal fee, Shooting Chrony allows you to upgrade or trade in any model.
I wanted to verify the velocity of my 7.5x55mm Swiss handloads, so I ordered the F-1. Statistics can be done at home on Excel, or at the range with a pair old unwanted stereo headphones.
this is the one i use,
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=852429&t=11082005
it is in my OPINION a very good “entry level” or “beginners” chrono
+1, but I’m not sure it is entry level. It does all I need.
Want to rekindle this discussion as I may be having to return my loaner! 
I’d like to maybe find something with a remote/readout that I can have at the bench with me.
My Beta Master Shooting Chrony continues to give yeoman service - and has the controls and readout right there on the bench with you.
Whatever you do, get one with separate sky screens, not the ones where the chronograph unit and sensors are all in ones (The Chrony line are mostly all-in-one). One of these days, you will thank me when you are just buying a new sensor instead of the whole new chronograph.
Ask me how I know.
It is a little more expensive ($199) but I use the CED M2
I’m bumping this again, as I’m still no closer to a solution. There are an amazing number of these things available, at a pretty wide range of prices, and will all sorts of add-ons.
Just at Midway alone…
$240 PACT Professional XP Chronograph with Improved Skyscreen Mounting Bracket and Case
$210 Shooting Chrony Gama Master Chronograph with Ballistic Chrony Printer
$210 CED Millennium 2 Chronograph System
$190 Shooting Chrony Gama Chronograph with Ballistic Chrony Printer
$140 RCBS AmmoMaster Chronograph
$135 Shooting Chrony Beta Master Chronograph
$130 PACT Model 1 XP Chronograph with Improved Skyscreen Mounting Bracket
$120 Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph
$110 Shooting Chrony F1 Master Chronograph
$105 Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph
and on, and on, and on… The CED Millennium 2 is what I’ve used before, but the plastic parts gave me pause. I do like that the screens are the only things downrange though in case you blast one there isn’t much you can’t easily and cheaply replace. Not sure I’m wanting to drop $210 on a chrony though…
It looks like Shooting Chrony has Gama Master, Gama, Beta Master, M1 Master, F1 Master, Alpha Master, Beta, Alpha, etc. Does “master” mean it comes with the remote readout or something else? In reading their site it appears that is the only change to the models, other than memory, computer interface, etc. so if I bought the cheapest one it wouldn’t be any less accurate than the most expensive one.
I’m really interested in hearing from folks that have used these, in outdoor settings, etc. and what their experiences are.