Keeping Track of Your Guns

[Ignition Override]

USAA insurance has a list of the majority of the serial #s, types etc. Only a few are uninsured.

A friend's guns are also kept here (luckily it's a very civil "lifestyle transition"), but none of them are insured: near-mint Colt AR, Beretta shotguns...
In case something happens to us, an attached sheet of paper states that this lonely, huddled group in the rear corner belong to "Edelwulf Forstjager".

The friends' guns weeks ago were at the rural home of a guy fighting leukemia (so far ok), But-with no description of who they belonged to.
Guys going through transitions should never take anything for granted, when leaving them where unfamiliar family members of a good buddy in the next county could very suddenly put their hands on them. That's why he removed them from the guy's Haus.

 

[Reloadron]

I just call the NSA for a complete inventory. They know better than I what I have.

Seriously, Excel or create a data base in Access.

Ron

 

[Warp]

A page in a notebook

 

[GBExpat]

Hi, I was wondering how everyone tracks their guns.

Excel spreadsheet that includes firearms description/details, cost, acquisition date and source.

 

[herrwalther]

Someone here (can't remember who) posted an Excel spreadsheet template a few months ago that they made and use for firearms. I liked it and it was much better than my system at the time (read as none) so I put all the info into it, with a few minor tweeks such as where I bought the firearm and for how much. I keep it stored on a military grade flash drive, on a CD-RW in the safe, and a paper copy in a separate location.

 

[zerobarrier]

Until I read this thread I never considered keeping some sort of file on my guns(I only have 13). Now I am thinking it is a good idea at least to have make, model, and serial number. If you don't mind I would like a copy of the template. Thanks

 

[Reloadron]

Until I read this thread I never considered keeping some sort of file on my guns(I only have 13). Now I am thinking it is a good idea at least to have make, model, and serial number. If you don't mind I would like a copy of the template. Thanks

It's a good practice to keep an inventory even if you have a single gun, unless you have all the data memorized like make, model and serial number for starters. Theft, fire, insurance or whatever.

Ron

 

[slumlord44]

Old school. 3X5 index cards in a index file box. Keep printed copies of everything from guns bought on gunbroker. Photos etc. Also have bound book for all C&R guns since it is required for my C&R license.

 

[ChCx2744]

Yes and everyone that owns guns should do the same, as long as the file is stored on a private computer and you trust would be very difficult for others to access. If not, print it out and keep it physically safe. This is especially important for insurance purposes as well, if you have insurance that is.

 

[arizonamailman]

excel

I created an Excel spreadsheet that has a list of the weapons I have to include the maker, model, serial #, magazines, normal capacity and date/place purchased. Additional sheets have an inventory of ammo, inventory of accessories, wish lists, and annotations of organizations/forums that I belong to .

 

[arizonamailman]

Old school. 3X5 index cards in a index file box. Keep printed copies of everything from guns bought on gunbroker. Photos etc. Also have bound book for all C&R guns since it is required for my C&R license.

Thanks for mentioning the C&R. I am looking at getting a C&R and knowing that a bound book should be/must be kept is a fact I was not aware of.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

Shot Works Pro.

I'm well over two Gig. Of information, and adding to it almost daily.

Best piece of software I,have ever bought.

 

[sonick808]

text file that is in a directory backed up daily (to multiple mediums & locations)

in addition to the text file, i have a directory with pics of all the guns, and the serial number placed in the picture w/ photoshop, as well as inserted into the photo EXIF data.
This directory is zipped and backed up nightly as well

 

[Screwball]

That's why I wrote my software Shot Works Pro.
I wanted the encryption and all the logging features. Couldn't find anything else that did just what I wanted it to do.

Make a similar app for the iPhone, and it will sell. I use MiGuns, which works, but is not readily supported.

 

[fletcher]

I keep a Word document with the following information:

- Manufacturer
- Model
- Serial
- Approximate value
- Photograph of serial
- Photograph of whole firearm

 

[IlikeSA]

The only data I keep is my reloads and a data book for my rifle, listing date, time, temp, range and group.

 

[MRH]

I use the free version of the NM Gun Collector software. Saved on a flash drive. Haven't got around to adding photos yet.

Mike

 

[JTHunter]

I just print multiple digital pictures on a Word document with the pertinent info under the pictures.
One set of copies stored off-site, another in a "regular/non-gun" safe.

These guns don't get modified enough to worry about changes.

 

[Ignition Override]

With only gun serial numbers stored at USAA, the main fear is that the heaps of ammo would be lost in a fire.

 

[Bobson]

I look at the gun rack.

A similar system works for me.

As far as keeping actual records of my guns so that I have something to provide to LE/insurance company if I was ever to be burglarized or home burnt down or something? I don't keep any. Probably will after I finish college and start checking things off the ol' wish list. For now though, Johnny Tremain could count the guns I have on his bad hand, and still have fingers left to pick his nose.

 

[22-rimfire]

One thing that I do record on my gun list spreadsheet is whether or not Form 4473 was completed as part of the sale. I find it useful information to have available.

For insurance and often only as a memory prod device, I think it good to keep a spreadsheet on anything of value that you own. It becomes nearly impossible to re-create later. Who actually remembers what they paid for a gun or a TV set except in general terms? What defines the minimum value would be up to you.

I need to do this with my growing knife accumulation. At first I dismissed the need for any records what so ever, but as the numbers increase, it would be nice to remember what I paid for a particular item and when I purchased it.

 

[jeepnik]

I use excel as well. But in addition to all of the info listed, I insert several images of each firearm, including the serial #. I also keep images of any receipts of bills of sale. I keep a copy on a flash drive in my safe deposit box. This way should there be a disaster, it should survive and be used for insurance purposes.