Firearms and Ammunition Inventory Control

[Reloadron]

While reading this thread where member rondog did a nice job of presenting members with an Excel Spreadsheet for maintaining a firearms log or record. I began thinking about the subject.

Now before I go any further the topic of security came up. Members RetiredUSNchief and Trent both added some very interesting information concerning security and the encryption of data. Their post and the post of a few other members are well worth a read in that thread. Very good and informative material presented. I am attaching (assuming the attachment works) a current "White Paper" on the subject which some may find interesting while it will likely put others to sleep.

Anyway I was wondering what members would like to see in the way of a home computer software small simple program they would store firearms records. For example someone linked to an old BATFE "Personal Firearms Record" that covered: Manufacturer / Importer, Model #, Serial Number, Type and Action, Caliber or Gauge, Date Acquired, Cost or Value, Purchase Location and finally Notes. To allow for disposition those fields could be followed with Disposition, Sold To, Date Disposition, and again Special Notes.

Can anyone out there think of anything else?

The mentioned thread also had a few members mention a Personal Ammunition Record. Would it be practical to include that in a personal firearms record as an add in? If so what fields should it include?

I am just curious as to what people would like in a home computer that is Windows Based and please don't even get into the Windows, Apple and Linux discussion regarding security. I only want input regarding a Windows based home computer or laptop system. Additionally we are not getting into an enterprise multi-security system here.

I am not a Programmer type or any sort of IT Professional. I never even played one on TV or in the movies. I am only curious as to what fields of information people would like to see in a Firearms or Ammunition data base. Your inputs would be most appreciated.

I figure it this way. If my firearms were ever lost (fire & flood) or stolen I could likely just call the NSA and request a copy of everything I owned. I am sure they would be happy to send me that information along with 8X10 glossy photos of my safe interior.

Thank You
Ron

 

[Reloadron]

Nobody?

Thought I might get some suggestions. However, this is good as most people are maybe like me and just keep a written record using a pencil and paper.

Ron

 

[larryh1108]

I am somewhat f an Excel geek and have written several Excel programs for business. On my desktop I have a folder named inventory. In this folder is 3 files. All pretty basic, actually.

1 file is just a "written" inventory. It includes the brand, model, serial# and mfg date (if known) of all my firearms. At the bottom is the same info of guns I have traded or sold with the same info plus date sold and to whom. I didn't bother with any other info here because it's just a written, current inventory.

The 2nd file is more detailed. It includes the same info as above as well as the number of mags and other barrels for the same gun, if needed. This spreadsheet also has the current retail value of the gun and mags (and barrels) if I were to sell it today. The retail is not inflated for wishful thinking but is geared towards actual sales on Gunbroker and/or advertised prices. The program is also set up to figure a wholesale value for the item figured at 60% of the retail value entered. This info is helpful if the collection needs to be sold in case of death or other dire circumstances. To me, this is the "real value" of my collection. The columns automatically total so if I change a retail value due to market conditions, the wholesale value and total retail and total wholesale figures also change.

The 3rd file is a .doc file that includes pictures, left and right side, of my inventory. This is just in case I need to file a claim and just because I like to look at the pictures every now and then. Under the picture is a short description of the gun which is make, model and caliber. The pictures are 2 across the page and 4 down. It is just a nice presentation but also serves a purpose.

This file keeps my inventory at hand. Whenever I make a change (add, subtract or change a value) I email the 3 files to myself so I can retrieve them anywhere, if needed, and if my computer crashes or is destroyed in a fire, etc. Several people have seen this file and asked for the files for their own use, which I am glad to do. It is simple, works and anyone with minimal skills can maintain it.

We all have ways to keep a log of our inventory. Many don't like keeping copies where Big Brother can access them. That works too. Everyone has their own comfort level.

images added: (pictures of actual sheets, ser#s and prices not actual)

 

[Reloadron]

Thanks larryh, this is sort of things I was looking for. What sort of information people would want to save and have available. I also like the left & right in the images.

Many Thanks
Ron

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I start off with the firearm, the recpt., a handwritten write up and a vanilla folder.
Like this:

I trace the handgun onto the folder cover.
Make sure to name the folder and write up exactly the same and also jot this name down on the recpt.
Then I spread out all three, with firearm and accessories to take an inventory file pic (named the same as folder...). This goes onto a master disk of either long guns or handguns.

For longguns, I trace as much of the action/grip that will fit onto the open vanilla folder.

The paperwork and disks go into a firebox in a safe.
Copies go in the safety deposit box and a couple of trusted folks safes.

HTH ..taking pics of handwritten documents saves me time, even though it is not very computer savvy.
.

 

[NoKY guy]

Another spreadsheet

Here is a spreadsheet that I made up for a guy that I work with. It is pretty basic but has enough room to show what accessories or anything you have with the said gun.

 

[berettaprofessor]

As I've said in other threads on this issue, I place mine in a Quicken database with fields set up for the written info, and then in that database Quicken allows me to attach photographs of the gun, scans of receipts, and any other information related to it. Simple as pie and if you use Quicken, you don't have to buy or use anything else.

 

[nmGunCollector]

Existing Firearms and Ammunition Inventory Programs

I'm sure you can do better and there is always room for more but I thought I should tell you that there are many desktop programs already available. A google search for gun collector software or gun collecting software or gun collection software or firearms collecting software or firearms inventory database software etc. etc. will reveal many of these. I am listing all that I can think of but I can only vouch for mine.

• NM Gun Collector Inventory Database Software (Free)
  
• NM Collector Software (Firearms and Ammunition templates available)
  
• Burnsoft My Gun Collection
  
• My Gun DB

Many others have come and gone ...

• Gunsafe (my favorite of those no longer available)
• BangZoom Gun Tracker
• Blue Book Inventory Software Program (no link available)

 

[tubeshooter]

Just now seeing this thread.

I have something similar, but it is just a simple Notepad file with some of the suggested info you have mentioned. I save it as a distinct file with the update date in the file name when I add info to it.

I think the categories you have listed cover the bases nicely. There may be more that others would like to see, but it seems comprehensive to me personally. In fact, it is more info that I currently capture.


I applaud your efforts, as well as your willingness to share and discuss it with the board. Thank you.

 

[btg3]

To make the effort to inventory guns and related paraphernalia is well and good. It is prudent to do likewise with the balance of your household inventory.

 

[TRX]

Save a backup to the same USB key or flashdrive you keep for scanned documents and your contact list/address book.

A few years ago I scanned *everything* in the "important papers we should really sort through someday", named them, sorted them into directories, and made multiple copies on extra flashdrives.

It's not the same as having the original documents, but it's a lot better than standing there with nothing at all...

Digital pictures are free; when documenting guns, household furnishings, or other property, take more than you think you'll need, then keep the best ones.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

I keep a complete inventory of all gun related stuff on the laptop and its backed up on another 750 meg USB drive and 2 flash drives. That way if one is damaged I have it backed up.

 

[loose noose]

I'm a bit skittish about putting anything in the computer, I do keep all my firearms in 3X5" cards using basically the same format as was shown. I simply add or deduct the info, when I sell or buy another arm.

 

[481]

I keep all of my gun data confined to a single Word document. It's not very sophisticated, but it does all that I need it to do.

 

[dmazur]

I'm a bit skittish about putting anything in the computer

Third party encryption software is available to address this. The idea is to make certain files/folders unreadable unless it is you, with the correct key.

Solves the problem of stolen computer. Also solves concerns of sensitive file loss through online attacks.

Doesn't solve the problem of a lost key. Most vendors state clearly that there is no "back door" or "audit password". If you lose your key, you've lost the data.

By the way, Microsoft's encryption does provide a system-level password for audit purposes, so I wouldn't consider the operating system's built-in encryption to be a functional solution.

 

[huntsman]

I keep my gun and ammo info (a simple excel spreadsheet) and corresponding photos (as per my insurance policy) on my laptop on a flash drive and also a hardcopy. My IT guy (son) tells me my risk is minimal and what I have now is way more than I did before and is what I need for fire and theft.

 

[K0ZZZ]

I wrote my Shotworks program specifically to be encrypted. I even list the encryption code on the website for everyone to see.

 

[Lex Luthier]

My files are simple. Took a nice digital photo and printed it out in a 5x7 at the top of the page, then typed a word doc (including all relevant information) with the text on the bottom half of the page. Insert page with photo already on it into the printer, and print the document. These dozen or so pieces of paper are held in the safe and the safe deposit box.

You can also do this with guitars. These will serve as pretty awesome insurance docs if need be.