This is the latest edition of prototype testing to accomplish the purpose of the Magneto Speed bayonet removed from the barrel and utilized remotely so as to eliminate barrel harmonics interruption. My bayonet is the original version initially offered by MS & was customized by them at my request for this application. Using the adjustable base keeps all adjustments at arms reach from behind the gun without getting up & moving around the shooting bench or inadvertantly encroaching the firing line at a public range. I trimmed the bag jack to 6"x10" from its original 10"x10" offering simply to save space. The rubber pad on one side allows the true use of a bag laid atop. I inverted it, scraped off the rubber feet and used the smooth surface for the magnetic attachment. The magnets capture one another with no fasteners on the platform, they are quite strong. The aluminum T-track is cut to 12" for my use. It comes in 24" pieces originally. All fasteners used are 1/4". I apologize for the background clutter in the pictures.

Lyman Bag Jack - https://www.lymanproducts.com/lymanr-bag-jacktm
Lyman Bag Jack - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2Y79HK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Magnets - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QW4916R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best and simplest solution, yet.

I took my version apart and reconfigured along these lines. I got some help from Reloder28, and thanks to him.

Mine is set up a bit different, I use Acraglas Gel to attach the magnets to the "T" bar. I altered the MS housing to screw to the 12" bar.

Loose magnets under the aluminum deck holds the unit in place. The beauty of not attaching the lower magnets, you can move the unit around and the bottom magnets follow.

DF

My MS unit wasn't converted by them like Reloder's was, so I adapted it. I drilled thru the left side, countered with larger drill from the right, to clear screw heads. Because the left side wasn't true square, sorta tapered, I wedged it with a metal strip from a windshield wiper blade. I then aligned the bayonet with the bar.

DF

Guess what happened with I jerked the unit off the jack....

The magnets smashed into the steel lift mechanism and shattered...

So, technique now is to pivot one end, drop magnet into the hand, then do the other end.

I was surprised how powerful these magnets are and how brittle.

DF

Turning the jack over, rubber side down, metal side up is the way to go.

One review of the bag jack, "it's not steady enough". Well, maybe not for a rifle rest, great for shooting pistols and for this application.

I have a solid rifle rest, not using this jack as one.

Reloder shoots his big flame belching revolvers on this jack. It can do double service. I'd probably put the rubber side up for that, metal side up for this.

Notice the Amazon price is better than Lyman retail.

I cut the mounting bar 12" like he did. It could be a bit longer if one was wanting to max out space on a smaller bench. 12" works for him and for me. Just saying.

DF

My original version worked, was harder to adjust than this one and took a very long bench to accommodate.

This version is for sure mo better, as in much...

DF

Good stuff guys. Thanks.

I like the way Reloder trimmed down his bag jack.

I'm not that talented, probably gonna leave mine as is.

DF

Well, it helps when you have a fabrication shop at your disposal.

Well if I can’t do it with a hand drill and a hacksaw, it ain’t gonna happen.

DF

Pretty slick.

Yep

Reloder’s design. I just copied it best I could.

DF

Man, that’s pretty good stuff fellas. I use that bag jack all the time. Never thought of modifying one for the MS.

Necessity precedes creativity.

And, the sweet spot being the bag jack needs no permanent altering or modification. Simply added an alternate use.

Show your Kevlar shooting bag cover to keep that fire breathing .460 from burning holes in it.



DF

I saw that. Great stuff. I'll save this for use later on.

Be careful handling those magnets. They’re stronger than you think. Don’t get them around metal filings or small parts It takes considerable effort to pull them apart.

Not sure what they’d do to electronic devices, don’t want to find out. I’d think they’d be hard on pacemakers, etc.

FYI

DF

cheaper alternate for jack

I found this on amazon while looking and it looks like it would serve the same purpose for much cheaper. I also had a question why you put the MS on the extension out in front of the jack stand vs just mounting it directly to the "L" or "T" bracket?

Or you could substitute capital for labor (especially if you don’t have ready access to a fabrication shop) and buy a LabRadar. But what fun would that be? 😃

The 4"x4" jack may be a tad small, but most of those would probably work. If they're steel, the magnets should stick to the deck without having to use magnets under the aluminum deck.

The reason for mounting the MS out a bit is to have the base closer, to utilize a shorter shooting bench. That was one of the main short comings to my original set up. With my long tailgate bench, not a problem. But with conventional benches, a big problem.

DF

I thought about that. But I already had the MS and don't use a chrono enough to justify the cost.

DF

Relegated to shooting range benches, my rifle barrels extend beyond the bench top enough to warrant the extension. The front of the bench is the designated firing line. Though I could stand beside the bench, it is much easier to adjust while still seated behind the gun.

I actually set out to buy a LabRadar originally. But, the manufacturer was dealing with delivery issues for an extended period of time once I was ready to purchase. I gave up on him and went with the MS. That is how I wound up with the original Magneto Speed version.

I have been thru first generation Oehler 35, upgraded several times, Shooting Chrony (which I would have put out of my misery with one bullet had I been alone), ProChrono, tried to buy a LabRadar with much frustration & settled on the Magneto Speed. And, it solved ALL of my chronograph related issues.

Of the many attempts at rejected prototypes this final version I posted here has cost me many times the price of this rig alone.

I’ve trod much the same path over the years. Have an Oehler sitting on the shelf that I don’t use any more though I loved it when I first got it. Guess I was lucky to get my LabRadar when I did.

If someone was set up where the Oehler could be permanently mounted on a cart and stored set up when not in use. And when needed, rolled out and positioned ahead of the gun barrel. Seems that would be about ideal, as that unit has been the gold standard forever, but not many can do that.

With bench limitations at the typical shooting range, this MS set up will work without having to attach to the barrel. I typically take several rifles to the range, let hot ones cool, while I shoot others. Constant swapping from barrel to barrel just doesn’t work. This does.

DF

Indeed you are right on many fronts. If I had a personal range I would build a rail in front of the bench and drill holes where I could drop the bolts that are on the ends of the Oehler setup. A couple of clamps to steady it and I would be in business. That way you could leave the sky screens attached and setting up would be a snap.

But I do my shooting at a busy club range. I alternate rifles as you do, letting barrels cool. The LabRadar works for me and I guess I was lucky to find them available when I decided to switch from my Oehler.

And a relatively small thing, but I love that results are recorded on an SD card so I can review everything in the comfort of my home office.

I keep my Olher setup on a tripod and it is simple to pick it up and make ready to chronograph

Certainly would be nice if we all had our own private ranges. I envy those that do. Or, can drive to the public land without the bother of others and be able to setup, shoot, go downrange without the permission of others. The nearest public land for me is at least 50 miles or further.

That is certainly a problem

Labradar is a solution.

Reloder has shared an innovative MS solution. For those of us already with an MS and not wanting to drop $500 on a Labradar, this is a workable option.

DF

lol....

You sound like me. Custom Chronograph until the paper screens were no longer available, a PACT, which last I saw it was behind the tractor shed where I through it over the roof, Shooting Chrony, which I sold to my friend who promptly accidently shot it, my early M35 that now spends most (but not all) of its time under the reloading bench (next to the Custom Chronograph), and now my LabRadar.

I appreciate being able to coat tail Reloder's R and D costs. Sounds like both you guys have spent a good bit over the years on chrono's.

I have an old sky screen chrono that I no longer use, haven't been through as many as y'all.

DF

To further address your alternate jack suggestion. The cantilever effect comes into play with my setup. The Lyman choice offers the weight to counteract the tendency to tip over when the sensor deck is fully extended. Granted the magnets capture most of that. But, the base weight is necessary overall. You could certainly add weight to whichever base you choose. I can certainly appreciate a more compact package overall. Thank you for the input.

I reckon a steel base would eliminate having to put magnets under the aluminum deck.

The Lyman jack is a very nice device. Some of those jacks seem pretty cheaply made, this one, even though it's Chicom, is pretty well made. It's size has to add to overall stability, although a smaller one could work if heavy enough.

DF

I just happen to see various small jacks available that obviously are cheap as they are chinese but was thinking the MS is pretty lightweight and not like you are using it as an actual gun rest. Plus I am a tightwad, lol. I think the steel platforms would make it easier like you mentioned for only having to use magnets on the T rail and I think would add some weight. I wondered about the cantilever effect but figured the chrono is so light it may not effect it much. Great ideas and I appreciate you sharing. I like DIY projects like this and being able to shoot groups while getting velocity is handy.

The MS unit is very light and even extended with the aluminum bar, still pretty light. A steel jack would probably work. Don’t think I’d go with the 4”x4” one. It may be a tad small; I’d want a more substantial base.

DF


Edited to add, for dual purpose, to be used also as a pistol rest, the Lyman would be hard to beat. Just flip it over, rubber deck up.