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lilabner

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I just bought a chronograph which I will mount on a good quality photographer's tripod. The range available to me is busy. I'll have to set up during cease fires when shooters are not allowed to handle their rifles. I would appreciate advice on getting quickly lined up on a target so I can shoot groups and measure velocity at the same time? Recommended distance from muzzle to chronograph is 15 feet.
 
The fastest way I have found is to setup your target first on the first cease fire.

Then between that cease fire and the next, set your rifle up on your rest and point it at the target and remove the bolt. I usually look thru the scope and center the crosshairs on the center of the target.

Now, during the next cease fire, pace off the distance you want from the shooting bench and place your chrono. Look thru the chrono (where the bullet will travel) back towards you rifle and adjust the height and position of the chrono so you will be looking thru the chrono and into the muzzle so you see light thru the barrel (remember, the bolt should be out).

When you have this alignment done, go back behind the firing line, don't approach the bench, but stand behind the rifle and look over the top of the rifle to see if it appears to be pointed thru the chrono screens. If it doesn't look right and you still have time during the cease fire, go back out and make some adjustments.

I do it like this all the time and I usually have time to setup the chrono, check from behind the firing line, go back out and make changes if needed, and check again from behind the bench.

I am more concerned about the alignment of the barrel to the chrono rather than the scope or sights.

After all this, I usually have time to spare while the rest of the shooters are making the trip to the 100 yd targets and back.
 
Another thing. Make up piece of string the length equal to the distance you want then tie a "S" hook on each end. Attach one end to the bench,rest or whatever, the other to the first screen them walk it out till you run out of string, you have the distance. Finish the alignment and your ready to go. You can make up different length strings or one with a series of loops for for different distances. Keep it (them) in the case with the clock.

Bill
 
One final point. If you're using the Oehler 35 or like where the skyscreens are set on a hollow pipe, you can boresight down the sight to get aligned properly on the target.
 
I stick a cheap laser bore sighter in my barrel with the rifle on bags with bolt removed and aimed at the target. A piece of paper or another target for the laser to show on helps aline the screens. Works very fast once you get the hang of it. No walking back and forth checking the alinement

Don`t forget to remove the bore sighter.
 
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lay the laser in the bolt trough and let it shine down the barrel, that way no damage can be done to the crown or if you forget to remove it.
 
Get one of the "bullseye" circular type bubble levels and glue it somewhere on your screens. Saves a huge amount of screwing around.
 
Joe S said:
I stick a cheap laser bore sighter in my barrel with the rifle on bags with bolt removed and aimed at the target. A piece of paper or another target for the laser to show on helps aline the screens. Works very fast once you get the hang of it. No walking back and forth checking the alinement

Don`t forget to remove the bore sighter.
Click to expand...

I agree the laser bore sighter is the only way to go. I use the type that goes in the chamber. You can have your chronograph lined up in just a few seconds.

It is the only thing I found laser bore sighters to be good for ;)
 
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