Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph Review – Faster, Smarter, and Built for Real Shooters
If you’re serious about precision shooting, long-range accuracy, or competitive performance, reliable velocity data is non-negotiable. Garmin has just raised the bar again with the Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph, the latest evolution of their proven Doppler radar chronograph platform, and after putting it through its paces on steel out to 500 metres, it’s clear the C2 is a genuine upgrade, not just a refresh.
This is our first impressions review of the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph, tested in real shooting conditions with a 6.5 Creedmoor, Applied Ballistics, and practical field shooting, exactly how shooters actually use their gear.
What Is the Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph?
The Garmin Xero C2 is the newest Doppler radar chronograph from Garmin, building on the hugely popular C1. While it retains the same compact footprint and ease of use, the C2 introduces a new radar system, faster processor, and an all-new mounting chassis, making it more versatile than ever before.
Unlike traditional optical chronographs, the Garmin Xero C2 uses radar-based velocity tracking, meaning:
-
No tripods downrange
-
No sensitivity to light conditions
-
No interference from muzzle blast or suppressors
Key Upgrades: Garmin Xero C2 vs C1
🚀 Faster Radar & Instant Readout
The biggest improvement with the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph is speed. Shot data is displayed almost instantaneously, often appearing before you even hear the steel ring downrange.
Side-by-side testing with the C1 clearly shows:
-
C2 displays velocity instantly
-
C1 pauses briefly to calculate
-
C2 captures every shot in rapid strings
This alone is a game-changer for competitive shooters.
🔥 Rapid Fire & Semi-Auto Capability
The C2 can now detect and record rapid fire, something the previous generation struggled with.
This makes the Garmin Xero C2 ideal for:
-
IPSC pistol shooters
-
Semi-automatic rifles
-
Fast pump or lever actions
-
Shooters wanting full shot strings, averages, ES and SD
In testing, the C2 captured every shot, while the C1 only registered a fraction during fast firing.
🔩 Rifle-Mounted Chassis System
While the housing looks familiar, the C2 features a completely new internal chassis that allows direct rifle mounting.
Garmin’s mounting solution includes:
-
ARCA rail compatibility
-
Picatinny rail compatibility
-
Quick transfer between rifles or stages
Mounted directly to the rifle, the C2 moves with your setup — perfect for PRS-style stages or multi-rifle sessions.
Real-World Testing: From Zero to 500 Metres
Using a 6.5 Creedmoor firing 129gr hunting ammunition, the rifle was zeroed, velocity captured, and ballistic data fed directly into Applied Ballistics.
With accurate muzzle velocity from the Garmin Xero C2:
-
Steel hits at 300m (1.2 mil hold) were repeatable
-
400m (≈2 mil hold) delivered centre hits
-
500m steel, including a 6-inch target, was engaged successfully using reticle holdovers
This highlights the real strength of the C2: fast, reliable data that translates directly into first-round hits.
Applied Ballistics Integration
When paired with the Applied Ballistics Quantum app, the Garmin Xero C2 becomes part of a complete ballistic workflow:
-
Accurate muzzle velocity input
-
Reticle-based firing solutions
-
Visual holdover confirmation
-
Faster engagement times
For long-range shooters, this seamless data handoff is invaluable.
Who Is the Garmin Xero C2 For?
The Garmin Xero C2 chronograph is ideal for:
-
Precision rifle shooters
-
Long-range hunters
-
PRS competitors
-
IPSC pistol shooters
-
Anyone shooting semi-autos or fast strings
-
Shooters who want accurate data without downrange setup
If you already own a C1, the upgrade is worth it specifically for rapid fire capability and instant readout. If you’re buying your first chronograph, the C2 is currently one of the most capable options on the market.
Final Thoughts: Is the Garmin Xero C2 Worth It?
After hands-on testing, the answer is simple: yes.
The Garmin Xero C2 isn’t just faster, it’s smarter, more versatile, and better suited to modern shooting disciplines. The ability to capture every shot, instantly display velocity, and mount directly to the rifle makes it one of the most practical chronographs available today.
If accurate ballistic data matters to you, and you want less setup, less hassle, and better results, the Garmin Zero C2 chronograph delivers.
FAQ: Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph
Is the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph worth it?
If you want fast, reliable muzzle velocity data with minimal setup, the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph is absolutely worth a look. The instant readout and rapid-fire capability make it especially valuable for competitive shooters and anyone chasing consistent ballistic performance.
​
What is the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph?
The Garmin Xero C2 is a Doppler radar chronograph designed to measure bullet velocity accurately without relying on sunlight, screens, or downrange sensors like traditional optical chronographs.
​
Garmin Xero C2 vs C1: what’s the difference?
The biggest differences are speed and rapid-fire capture:
-
C2 = near-instant velocity display
-
C1 = slight delay while it “thinks”
-
C2 = captures rapid strings far better (useful for pistols, semi-autos, and fast shooting)
-
​
Does the Garmin Xero C2 work for rapid fire and semi-auto rifles?
Yes. The C2 is built for rapid fire detection, making it a strong chronograph for semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and fast strings where you want full shot strings, averages, extreme spread (ES), and consistency data.
​
Is the Garmin Xero C2 good for IPSC pistol shooting?
Yes — rapid strings are where the C2 shines. If you’re an IPSC pistol shooter (or anyone shooting fast strings), the instant readout and shot-to-shot tracking make it far more useful than chronos that miss shots during rapid fire.
​
Can you mount the Garmin Xero C2 on a rifle?
Yes. The C2 has a new chassis system that supports rifle mounting using Garmin’s bracket. The mount setup includes ARCA on one side and Picatinny on the other, so you can run it on a variety of rifle setups and move it between stages easily.
​
Do you need a tripod or downrange screens with the Garmin Xero C2?
No. That’s a major advantage of a radar chronograph. The Garmin Xero C2 can be used without an optical-style “through the gates” setup, meaning less gear, less fuss, and faster range time.
​
Radar chronograph vs optical chronograph: what’s better?
A radar chronograph like the Garmin Xero C2 is typically easier to use because it’s not dependent on lighting conditions and doesn’t require placing equipment downrange. Optical chronographs can work well, but they’re often more sensitive to setup, angle, and light.
​
How accurate is the Garmin Xero C2 for muzzle velocity?
In practical use, the C2 produced consistent velocity capture and immediate feedback, which is exactly what you want for ballistic inputs. (Accuracy ultimately depends on correct placement and setup, but the C2 is designed to be straightforward.)
​
Does the Garmin Xero C2 help with long-range shooting?
Yes — accurate muzzle velocity is critical for ballistic predictions. In testing, chrono data supported reliable holdovers and steel hits at 300m, 400m, and 500m, showing how good data translates into real impacts downrange.
​
Is the Garmin Xero C2 good for 6.5 Creedmoor?
Yes. The 6.5 Creedmoor is one of the most common long-range cartridges where chrono data matters for drop and wind solutions. The C2 is a great match for anyone building consistent ballistic profiles for 6.5 Creedmoor loads.
Can I use the Garmin Xero C2 with Applied Ballistics?
Yes. The C2 fits perfectly into an Applied Ballistics workflow because it helps you feed accurate muzzle velocity into your ballistic solver. In the session, Applied Ballistics was used to confirm holdovers and engage steel with confidence.
​
How fast is the Garmin Xero C2 readout?
Very fast. In side-by-side use, the C2 displayed velocity instantly, often appearing before the sound of steel impact returned — a clear difference from the C1’s slight processing pause.
​
Does the Garmin Xero C2 capture every shot?
In rapid-fire testing, the C2 captured essentially everything — while the older unit next to it missed most shots during fast strings. That real-world difference is one of the C2’s standout upgrades.
​
Is the Garmin Xero C2 good for hunting rifles too?
Yes. Even if you primarily hunt, the C2 helps you confirm true muzzle velocity, build better ballistic charts, and validate drops at distance — especially helpful for open-country hunting setups.
​
Where can I buy the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph in Australia?
They’re newly released and available through Garmin stockists. The easiest option is to use Garmin’s find-a-stockist tool on their website or check your local precision shooting retailers.