Advice on used Oehler 35P

[slas]

My experience is the Oehler 35P is an excellent piece of equipment. It is a a little cumbersome to set up, but the 3rd screen is actually a feature that is not well understood. The 3rd screen is a check that throws out suspect readings. The printout is also nice unless maybe your whole life revolves around your cell phone. Oehler lists it on its site as in stock for $595. I'd buy it from them or get a much better price than $575 used.

I also have a magnetospeed. Its not the easiest setup in the world either unless perhaps if you only use it on one gun. IMO it is cumbersome setting up the sensor sleeve with the spacers on the end of the barrel. It gets to be even a lot more time consuming setting it up to different guns that need different spacers. Generally the setup on the end of the barrel changes harmonics and changes where bullets hit the target, though my experience with bull barrels is that it can be minimal if any, but I don't trust it anyway. All that said it is a compact piece of equipment, theoretically very accurate, is computer friendly and I generally use it these days over the Oehler.

His asking price is $250 on the used Oehler 35P. He just posted a pic of the receipt to show original purchase price.

 

[Mike Matteson]

I have Labradar chronograph, but I didn't know it only goes up to 3900fps. I have a few cheaper chron. So I am having to go to a Oehler Chony. Yes the Oehler is more work to set up, but if wanting to get the total picture, then there you are. It's only money. Dam if you do, and Dam if you don't, full steam ahead.

 

[squawberryman]

Granted the radar type devices weren't around until "recently", but there's a reason why professional shooters and equipment manufacturers use it to this day. I've got a 35P bought new and a labradar. Each has it's place for me.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I have an Oehler 35P and it is great. Takes a bit to gt it set up but works fantastic. I also have the Labradar. LabRadar is much easier to set up and use but I would not say it is any more accurate than the Oehler. Love them both.

 

[xsn10s]

Oehler sold out awhile back and stopped manufacturing. After being bought out they started again so should be all good. I liked mine. Was considered top tier back in the day.

 

[bengineer]

The gentleman selling it pulled everything out of the case and had it all on laid out on a table for the pic. I must say, it looks a little overwhelming, wires and pieces everywhere. That alone gives me pause.

Don't fret. Each skyscreen has 3 reflectors. Also one power lead each. Mine is set up on a 4' bar with the wires taped together. I note on the plug ends which is 1, 2 and 3, corresponding to same in printer/display unit. Takes less than 5 min to set up.

 

[marchboom]

I bought a used Oehler 33 in 1982 and it is still working great. For $250 I would jump on that deal.

 

[Pro2A]

Doing some research on these. I've been using a cheaper chrony and really need something better. A Labradar is out of my budget range at the moment and I'm not crazy about the MagnetoSpeed's. I found the Oehler 35P being offered for $250 locally. The pic of the original purchase receipt reads:

Proof Chronograph with 3 Skyscreen III's, 4 ft. rail, 2 folding stands, packed in hard case. $575

The seller bought it along with some guns and various other items from an older gentleman who was no longer able to shoot. He does not reload. I read that they're not making them any longer so if it were to die I'm sure getting it serviced would not be possible. From pics seems to be in good condition.

If there are suggestions for better chronographs in the $250 range please feel free to provide your personal plug for it.

Thoughts?

Just a perspective on your "....LabRadar is out of my budget range......" quandary. Think creatively. Don't just "settle for" for what you think your budget might dictate. Life is short, getting shorter each day. Decide what you really, really want, and then figure out how to get it. .You don't use the chrono constantly. Why not share the investment with a good buddy or more...split the cost. Two buddies share a LabRadar for $225 each; five at $110 each. And, they can have a great time together with it. One of the gun clubs I belong to, bought a LabRadar for all the members to share.......about $0.03 each!!!! And, if one doesn't have a buddy or five, I suggest money is not the critical problem. Just a really, really old guy pondering possibilities. HINT: Suggested technique often doesn't work out well with a woman.

 

[slas]

He dropped the price and just offered it to me for $200. Looks like I'm the proud new owner of an Oehler 35P.

 

[pdshooter2]

I would not buy anything other than a magneto or lab radar. The light sensor chronos are complete garbage.

sorry bt bs. the 35p is a great chrono esp for 250.

 

[marchboom]

I would not buy anything other than a magneto or lab radar. The light sensor chronos are complete garbage.

Yeah, right. Why then do the military armament manufacturers use Oehler Chronos?

I'm not saying that Lab Radars aren't good (they are). But if handloaders are using a Magneto Speed while they are checking their loads for group size the sensor hanging on the end of the barrel will affect group size.

 

[Mikecr]

I've extended screen spacing on My 35P to the point where it may be as accurate as LabRadar.
Should be within 1-2fps now.

 

[TOM H]

I got 35P Aug 1988 and it's been back twice. Last time got new inside. We have few concert pads at gun club 50/100 yds so pretty easy set up.

 

[Mike Matteson]

I've extended screen spacing on My 35P to the point where it may be as accurate as LabRadar.
Should be within 1-2fps now.

I find that interesting. My understanding that LabRadar is only good to 3900 fps. I realize that covers most rifles, but doesn't allow for being over that if possible. My 220 swift will do that with easy going over 3900fps. I have LabRadar set up, but have been looking at a 35P also. I realize that a chronograph is almost a must. It sure cut down the guessing. In the 70's I use targets of deer sizes to shoot at measured ranges out to 500 yards. At 300, 400, and 500 yards. Used a duplex 2 x 7 at 7 power. At 7 power I would use the duplex between the heavier parts of the cross hairs and lighter cross hair to size up the distance or range for the deer. to determine the distance or range of the deer. It worked quite well. I still have the target frame and targets. So it was my range finder, and velocity checker to see what the drop at the different ranges. I now carry a range finder, but still adjust my hold on a deer or elk. I have use a high end scope yet. I have one that I going to place on a new rifle being built.
I have wonder about the distance between the frames. They come with a 4' set up, but you built something longer?