Gun Log? Do you keep one?

[migoi]

I have a database..

program on my PDA (thinkDB 2) and have set up a file to keep all my gun info on.

In the memo pad section I also keep logs of all rounds fired through the guns. Nothing elaborate, just date and number of rounds. At the end of the year I summarize for total rounds fired for that gun for the year.

Since I sync my PDA with both my home computer and my laptop (plus the file is regularly backed up on a flash drive) the information can be recovered from 4 different places. Of course this is additionally backed up by the paper file of gun registrations I get from HPD when I go down and do the mandatory gun registration (and further backed up by the copies of said registrations I keep in my range bag).

migoi

 

[ChickenHawk]

YAD (Yet Another Database)

I take pictures of my guns from every angle (make sure the seial numbers are clear) and store these along with a lot of descriptive stuff in a program called 'Collection Master'.

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've got all the guns on a simple Excel spread sheet.
The guns are color grouped together by brand and all info is included.

I always have at least 3 or 4 copies on other computers and on floppies.
From time to time I'll get real security conscious and encrypt the files with Easy Crypto.
http://www.handybits.com/easycrypto.htm

I also take pictures of the guns including a close up of the serial number.

 

[Dienekes]

Started keeping folders on each firearm about 25 years ago. For older stuff I had to reconstruct some of the data (better late than never) and ideally each contains purchase documents, manuals, exploded views and takedown info, and a picture. I also use it for a running log of work done, zeroes, quirks, and anything that I might want to know later on. Also keep a brief list on a Word Perfect document on hard drive and printed copies in the fireproof safe. May start putting better pictures on digital when figure it out more.l

 

[hksw]

Like some, I use MS Excel. With the data entered into the cells you can find various stats like % Handguns/% Rifle/% Shotgun, total cost, country of origin, etc. with just simple equations and Excel functions. This database is on the first worksheet. For photos of guns, receipts, etc. and order info, I put those on other sheets and link to them from the first sheet.

 

[Remander]

Simple and fireproof: I keep a list of firearm model/description, vendor, purchase date, price paid, serial number, etc. on a Word document.

I e-mail the list to myself on an internet e-mail account after each update. That way, even if the PC and printed list go up in flames, I can access the list from the e-mail account from anywhere in the world.

Of course, the NSA is likely reading my list right now.

 

[George S.]

I also use an Excel spreadsheet. Simple to use and you can easily widen the cells and add rowsas needed to fit descriptions. I added a cell for the purchase price and used a totalizing formula at the bottom to show the total dollar amounts I had spent on the guns, but the numbers got too scary!!

I also have another spreadsheet that shows my ammo inventory and reloading supplies. Sometimes it's a PITA to do the updates, but at least I have an idea of what I have by caliber and that helps with resupply when necessary.

Keeping the data on your PC is a good way to track the inventory of guns and even ammo stock, but you should ALWAYS copy the file to a floppy disk or a re-writable CD and store it in a safe place (gun safe or lock box).

If you would ever have a hard drive failure or some other fatal problem with the PC, you could lose that data file. If you have ever gone thru this, you know how frustrating this can be. Just remember to use the floppy or CD to save any updates as you do them!!

 

[Jeff Timm]

If you keep computerized records, consider the format. i.e. can you read old SuperCalc files off a 5.25" Floppy? Anybody remember Dataperfect?

Geoff
Who came across an old disk full of documents from a wordprocessor that went obsolete back in the 1980s. Sigh.

 

[George S.]

If you keep computerized records, consider the format. i.e. can you read old SuperCalc files off a 5.25" Floppy? Anybody remember Dataperfect?

Geoff
Who came across an old disk full of documents from a wordprocessor that went obsolete back in the 1980s. Sigh.

Who even has a 5 1/4" FD drive anymore?? Guess you could find one on eBay but finding diskettes could be a pain in addition to current systems maybe not having the ability to even recognize it once you get it installed.

The first PC I had at work (Zenith) was a dual 5 1/4" floppy system. Boot disk went into the 'A' drive (DOS 2.0 ) and used the 'B' drive for apps and saving data files.