Since 2008, I have used a skyscreen-type chronograph, long the standard technology for measuring velocity and calculating other ballistic variables. My chronograph was stored in a hard plastic rifle case, which arranged the photo-sensing screens, light diffusers, mounting rail, printer, spare batteries, and tripods. Assembled, the chronograph has to be aligned to a specific distance in front of the muzzle. Setting it up always requires some 10 minutes, even longer when I’m working on a public range where I have to wait for a ceasefire to move forward of the firing line.

Three long cords extending from the sensors to the printer always seemed to be in my way. If there was insufficient or inconsistent ambient light, I was often unable to test. Embarrassingly, one or two of the screens were scarred from an errant shot that can occur with a scope rifle aimed too low in the screens’ windows. When I completed Guns & Ammo’s testing protocol, I always had to factor in time to disassemble the unit and print the results. It’s still a reliable chronograph, but it’s based on 1980s technology.

There have been other chronographs introduced since, including less-accurate two-screen portable units, a barrel-mounted chronograph that uses magnetism to operate, and units featuring Doppler radar technology. Chronographs evolved from presenting information on an LCD display to a digital display with memory functions. Today, chronographs feature Bluetooth units that support use with smart devices and an app. 

Mounted to the provided tripod, the Garmin Xero C1 Pro measures 5.1 inches long, 41/2 inches wide, and 51/2 inches tall. It weighs just 5.7 ounces. The information screen is a 240×320-­pixel display that measures 1.3 inches by 1.7 inches and 2.2 inches diagonally.

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Like other radar-based chronos, the Xero C1 Pro uses Doppler radar, but it’s a fraction of the size. It is more convenient to carry to the range, and it’s small enough to fit in a pocket. The Xero C1 Pro is also more user-­friendly. With just four buttons to learn, it’s quick to obtain the same data. The monochromatic display is even visible under sunlight.

When the sun isn’t shining, the Xero C1 Pro’s IPX7 water rating ensures it is not easily damaged by weather. It has an operating temperature range of 14° to ­131° Fahrenheit. The Xero C1 Pro can be used in almost any environmental condition.

The push-­button-­operated Xero C1 is simple to use. Point it in the direction of the target, turn it on and select “NEW SESSION,” then choose the type of session, i.e., rifle, shotgun, pistol, etc. Since it’s not affected by muzzleblast, shooting with suppressors, compensators, and muzzlebrakes doesn’t interfere with its operation.

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For use with rifles and shotguns, however, place the unit within 5 to 15 inches to either side and behind the muzzle. With a handgun, shoot directly over the unit. Results will be displayed in real-­time on the customizable screen. Select between a white or black background and choose among several data screens that can be displayed.

With Garmin’s ShotView app downloaded to a smartphone or tablet, notes from multiple shooting sessions can be added. You can also enter a bullet’s grainweight to obtain kinetic energy calculations in case the information wasn’t entered prior to using the chronograph.

An internal, rechargeable lithium-­ion battery powers the unit for 2,000 shots, or up to 6 hours. It’s charged using a USB-­C powercord. To preserve battery life, the unit will pause after 30 minutes if it doesn’t detect a shot, and the internal memory will save up to 50 sessions of up to 100 shots fired. Beyond that, I suggest saving data to a smart device through the ShotView app.