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Not sure just where to post this, we don't have a specific sub-forum for gun related electronics (hint, hint ). Literally just got it yesterday, and I don't know when I'll be able to actually try it out, I woke up to 13 degrees this morning, and I don't see much better for awhile . I tend to avoid shooting when conditions result in frozen hands. All that said, here's some first impressions.
First impression, it's big and orange! Feels light for its size, but not flimsy. Only things in the box are some documentation, the Labradar (LR), and a USB cord. You'll want to figure out how you're going to mount it from the get go, you're going to need a sturdy tripod or a stand of some sort, you don't want the wind knocking over a $600+ piece of equipment. And it will need to be adjustable for windage and elevation, there's an aiming notch/slot in the top of the unit that needs to be aimed at the target. This aiming "system" seems to be the biggest cause for complaints, and the biggest aftermarket for this machine. Others haven't had any issues, I'll be trying it as is and go from there.
The menu system, at least for initial setup, is straightforward and intuitive, I ran through the settings in just a few minutes without needing to refer to the user's manual. Obviously, I haven't armed the radar yet, so time will tell what that part of the operation will be like, but I don't foresee any issues. The user's manual isn't real extensive, but it doesn't need to be, this seems like a well designed piece of equipment with a simple operator's interface. And unlike my old Shooting Chrony, I don't anticipate the need to dig out the manual every time you need/want to make a change to the settings.
My main reason for this purchase is my shift toward more precision loading, with the hope/intent of doing some long range shooting, 1K or more yards. Load workups are always the most challenging aspect, do you focus on accuracy at the target then "worry" about velocity, of do you test for velocity, then fine tune on the target? Regular light sensor chronos make this an either/or proposition, just getting the chrono aligned so you don't shoot it is a challenge, actually trying to aim at a target at the same time is just asking for a dead chrono, or bad data. To do both at the same time requires a different technology, enter the Magnetospeed and the Labradar. I looked hard at both, I like the ease of setup and compact size of the MS, and the price, but it doesn't play well with handguns, and a lot of my shooting and load testing is for handguns. So that really made the LR the obvious choice for me, despite the cost.
So now I have some questions for those already using one of these machines. What, if anything, do you consider a must have accessory/accessories, and why? What do you like best, and what's the biggest PITA? Any other thoughts and suggestions will be much appreciated. More later, guys.
Dave
First impression, it's big and orange! Feels light for its size, but not flimsy. Only things in the box are some documentation, the Labradar (LR), and a USB cord. You'll want to figure out how you're going to mount it from the get go, you're going to need a sturdy tripod or a stand of some sort, you don't want the wind knocking over a $600+ piece of equipment. And it will need to be adjustable for windage and elevation, there's an aiming notch/slot in the top of the unit that needs to be aimed at the target. This aiming "system" seems to be the biggest cause for complaints, and the biggest aftermarket for this machine. Others haven't had any issues, I'll be trying it as is and go from there.
The menu system, at least for initial setup, is straightforward and intuitive, I ran through the settings in just a few minutes without needing to refer to the user's manual. Obviously, I haven't armed the radar yet, so time will tell what that part of the operation will be like, but I don't foresee any issues. The user's manual isn't real extensive, but it doesn't need to be, this seems like a well designed piece of equipment with a simple operator's interface. And unlike my old Shooting Chrony, I don't anticipate the need to dig out the manual every time you need/want to make a change to the settings.
My main reason for this purchase is my shift toward more precision loading, with the hope/intent of doing some long range shooting, 1K or more yards. Load workups are always the most challenging aspect, do you focus on accuracy at the target then "worry" about velocity, of do you test for velocity, then fine tune on the target? Regular light sensor chronos make this an either/or proposition, just getting the chrono aligned so you don't shoot it is a challenge, actually trying to aim at a target at the same time is just asking for a dead chrono, or bad data. To do both at the same time requires a different technology, enter the Magnetospeed and the Labradar. I looked hard at both, I like the ease of setup and compact size of the MS, and the price, but it doesn't play well with handguns, and a lot of my shooting and load testing is for handguns. So that really made the LR the obvious choice for me, despite the cost.
So now I have some questions for those already using one of these machines. What, if anything, do you consider a must have accessory/accessories, and why? What do you like best, and what's the biggest PITA? Any other thoughts and suggestions will be much appreciated. More later, guys.
Dave