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04/02/2025 | Hints from the experts

Garmin Xero C1 Pro

We thought velocity measurement might be a topic of interest to you, so we bought ourselves a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and tested it in our shooting tunnel. Located in Wimmis, the tunnel is approximately 50 m long and has lots of angles, edges and projections. It therefore represents a real challenge for a device that uses radar. The irregular geometry inside the tunnel means there is significant potential for unfavourable reflections of the radar signal. For this reason, we use two LS260 optical barriers from Kurzzeit-Messtechnik for our measurements in Wimmis. In the test, we compared the radar measurements against the results obtained using these IR photoelectric barriers.

During the tests, the Garmin chronograph was positioned underneath the barrel at the recommended distance (15-35 cm to the side of the barrel and 15-35 cm behind the muzzle). According to the owner’s manual, the bullet should be able to travel up to 20 metres (depending on its size) beyond the radar. We were able to meet this requirement during the measurements, with only the two photoelectric barriers in the line of fire. Based on the results, it can be assumed that this had little or no impact on measuring accuracy.

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A total of 3 shooting tests were performed:

  1. 7.62 x 39 (subsonic) calibre at a mean V0 level of just under 300 m/s
  2. 9 mm Luger calibre at a mean V0 level of just under 390 m/s
  3. .222 Rem calibre at a mean V0 level of just under 940 m/
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[Abweichung Radar <-> Lichtschrank (m/s) = Radar <-> light barrier deviation (m/s)]
 

The above graph shows the individual shots that were measured. The photoelectric barrier values were back-calculated to the muzzle and depicted as a zero line. The values from the radar measurement were depicted as an absolute deviation from the photoelectric barrier values. In the first test, this resulted in a maximum deviation of 2.4 m/s. In the second test, the maximum deviation measured was 2.1 m/s and in the final test, the deviation was a maximum of 1.7 m/s. The compact chronograph was easy to use and the excellent congruence of the results made a positive impression on us. Our findings can be summed up as follows:

The Garmin radar measuring device can produce accurate measurements with a high level of reliability. It is compact, can be set up quickly and covers a wide range of velocities. Furthermore, measurements are not affected by dust or humidity as is the case, for example, with a photoelectric barrier.
 

Andreas Schweizer
Team Leader Measurement Technology

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