Gun Inventory Software

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Robereno

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As I’ve been accumulating guns, for each one I have a corresponding manila envelope where I keep any records or relevant info. Seems to work pretty well though I’m considering the software that’s now offered by bluebook Inc. (Of course they try to suck you into a yearly subscription deal too)

Wondered if anyone is using similar software or have any suggestions.

rob
 
I use NM Gun Collector. It's easy to fill in the blanks, adds photos to each listing, works well for C&R FFL holders. Great way to keep up with your collection and values for insurance purposes. Customizable for those who wish to do so, but since it's already so good, there's little need for customizing for most of us.

Free trial download. After about 5 minutes of using the trial version, I purchased the license. Good support from the software creator who is a gunner.

Now when I get a new gun, I enter all the info, take a couple of digital images, and it's done.

http://www.nmcollector.net/nmguncollector/index.htm

about $35.00 delivered via CD. Lifetime free upgrades.

Regards,

Steve
 
gun software

Bangzoom Software out of Braintree, Mass. has had a "Guntracker" software package out for several years and this year decided to discontinue it (groan)...!! They were using BBV's data as their database and I think BBV's new gun software will carry on Bangzoom's format. Which is probably why BZ got out of the "Guntracker" software market. My suggestion would be to research the BBV software. The "Guntracker" package of software was excellent....
 
I got a database program as a bonus with my Palm Pilot. I just wrote a simple database with all of my handguns in it. Even if the house burned down, I'd still have a record of what was there.
 
How "secure" are these databases?

Could someone (hacker, crook, .gov, etc.) access them, or are they protected with strong encryption?
 
Excel.
I guess even Notebook will work for keeping a list. I guess I have don't have enough yet that I need search and sorting functions.
 
How "secure" are these databases?

Could someone (hacker, crook, .gov, etc.) access them, or are they protected with strong encryption?
Click to expand...

It depends on how secure your computer is. If you are prone to virii and spyware on your computer, then expect the database to get hacked too. If you aren't prone to such things, then no worries.

You could also keep the database itself on a separate disk (like on a floppy, USB key, or external hard drive) and just disconnect it when not in use. Either way, I'd strongly recommend keeping a backup copy of the database (and while you're at it, of your other necessary files) somewhere else, like a safe deposit box or at a relative's home.
 
Thanks all, I've downloaded NM Gun Collector and am playing with it now. I believe I see a feature that allows you to encrypt your file as well but will have to check further.

Yeah, I've done a lot of data base building in the past but I'm getting kind of lazy for that. Like to have something all set up for me.

rob
 
Either way, I'd strongly recommend keeping a backup copy of the database (and while you're at it, of your other necessary files) somewhere else, like a safe deposit box or at a relative's home.
Click to expand...

This is a very good idea. However, be certain that financial, firearms, or any other information stored on disk at a relative's home is encrypted. Otherwise, if the disk is every stolen, you've just provided the criminal with details on your inventory, ID info, etc...

An clever way to encrypt data is to use stego tools. (google it) You can then encrypt your data file into a picture. Not only will it be encrypted, but you can store it within one of the pictures on your backup disk. A criminal won't even know it's there, let alone try to crack it.
 
Blue Book is not really intuitive , and installs sql server onto your machine which may lead to some security issues . I paid for it so i am stuck with it , but i wont reccomend it for most folks
 
i made a basic excel sheet using FFL log book as guidelines. then i .zip the file and put encryption on them. its not gunna stop the .gov but label it inconspicuously it should keep prying eyes out.
 
i made a basic excel sheet using FFL log book as guidelines. then i .zip the file and put encryption on them.
Click to expand...

That's a good technique.

However, if you take one more step and use a stego tool, you can email the encrypted picture to your hotmail or yahoo account, and store it online. Not only is in encrypted and secure (more so than a zip password), it's generally above suspicion.

BTW, this method of cryptography is called "covert channel," and is widely used by terrorist organizations for nefarious purposes. They post documents, plans, and messages in predetermined jpg's on public and semi-public websites for their buddies to download and decrypt. It's hard for the feds to keep up with them, because the embedding process is so subtle, and the net contains billions of images.
 
I just use Excel and keep it on a backup HD (you can use a CD-R if don't have one).
I personally refuse to buy software when a few minutes setting up a spreadsheet is all it takes....hell thats all those stupid gun programs are anyways.
 
One thing to keep in mind with the encryption:

Be REAL sure you have an installer for the encrypting software on the disc/drive/whatever you back up onto. If necessary, also ensure that the encryption keys are backed up as well.

If you ever do need the backup, you need to be able to access it, and you can't take for granted that the encryption software will already be installed on the computer you may be using.
 
NM Gun Collector Software Security/Encryption

As the author of NM Gun Collector Software I can tell you that I did encrypt the database itself as best as is possible (so that it can not just be opened by MS Access for example) but there are ways that knowledgeable hackers can get around that. The database is also password protected however, that password does not get you past the encryption so you can not see the data using MS Access to view the database even if you know the password. I have not seen any other reports on the net with regard to cracking the database but that does not mean it can't be done.

A simple way to view the data is for someone to just fire up your computer and run the software on it! I did implement my own security to protect your data from someone just running the application on your computer. I allow you to set up user/password combinations with various levels of access to your date (all, read only, or none). However, you must initiate that security to put it in place. Once you implement that security, however, nobody can view your data through the NM Gun Collector Software application unless they know a userid/password combination that you assigned.

I would highly recommend using whatever additional security you wish including encrypting the underlying database (nmgcsw.mdb) and/or directory with some other method/software. I did this myself using Windows XP Pro Encrypted File System (EFS) (http://www.advisor.com/doc/11530) and NM Gun Collector software worked fine after the directory was encrypted.

FYI, one advantage this software has over other methods is easy use, easy reporting, and the ability to store pictures of each gun. That is not to say that other methods may not be totally satisfactory for the people who use them.

Thanks for the bandwidth.

Clay
www.nmcollector.net
 
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I just keep a list of models, serial nos., price paid, where bought, etc. on Word and e-mail it to myself on an internet e-mail account as I update it with new purchases.

If the house and computer go up in smoke or off in the back of a burglar's van, the list is accessible via any internet connection.

Not hackerproof, but simple and free.
 
My latest release is NM Collector Software - any collection any platform

I am the author of NM Gun Collector Software - which is now discontinued and replaced by my new Collecting Software (NM Collector Software). With this software you can track your gun collection and any other items you may want to track (including home inventory) in one package. I offer a free version and a more fully featured version for $29.95.

This is truly portable software that you can install on a USB flash drive which allows you to run this software on any computer that has java 1.6 (aka java 6) and allows you to take it with you (and run on any computer wherever you are going) wherever you go and/or easily lock up in a safe or safety deposite box.

Thanks,

Clay Pryor
 
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I use a free program called gun safe, someone on here or glocktalk designed it years ago and I still use it. Great program. You can also print out your list and have a neat sheet with gun type,model, price paid, serial, etc.

Search gun safe program on GT or here....
 
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