Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an eletronic temperature gauge is carried into a well bore within a pressure-sealed housing which can free fall through a drill string to impact upon a drill bit connected at the bottom of the drill string. A shock absorber is connected at the bottom of the housing to absorb the shock upon impact of the apparatus on the drill bit. The shock absorber has a relatively linearized shock absorbing response in the preferred embodiment. Additional structural features provide further cushioning of the gauge during transit and upon impact.