Recording Your Collection

Uncle Buck · December 30, 2009, 10:32 AM

I was wondering how you folks record your collection of firearms and related stuff.

I was updating my will and took some of my firearms info into the lawyers office with me. He really liked the list and said he was going to do something like it for his collection. (He figured the police would just be able to look up his pistols and get the serial numbers, so why bother. I told him I did not think it would be all that easy.)

1. Firearm type (Caliber/make/model/style, other pertinent info)
2. What I paid for it (If I can remember)
3. Where I got it from and when. (Again, if I can remember)
4. Year of manufacture, if the info can be found. Pre-serial number guns are a pain in the butt to figure out (i.e., Stevens .22/410)
5. Who I want the firearm left to. (Why is it when I update the list just before Christmas, I get a lot more Christmas cards?)

I have a separate book with my reloading stuff in it and pictures of the stuff. (Detailing what it is, what I bought it for and threatening to come back and haunt anyone who just gives it away for pennies on the dollar.

)

I also have a few old ammo boxes, mostly from the '60s and '70s which I put an index card into, explaining what it is and what it might be worth.

I am not ready to pass any of the things along to anyone right now (hopefully will not have to pass anything along for at least another 50 years.), but I figure my wife is going to have enough stuff to worry about once I am gone that this is something she will not have to fuss with.

Lurch37 · December 30, 2009, 12:17 PM

For my collection I use a simple spreadsheet to record the: Make, Model, Caliber, Serial Number, DOM/DOP, Value. In a seperate file I have a picture of each firearm with a simple description. I suppose someday I could combine the two into one file to make it a little easier but ir works for me. I also update it maybe two or three times a year depending on my selling, buying, trading habits. Finally, I store both these files on my hard drive and also onto a flash drive that I keep in a secure location.

I do know there are actual software programs out there that one can buy that are designed specificaly for firearm collectors that allow a myriad of info to be added along with several pictures. I also saw that in my latest NRA magazine they have a nice looking book that allows one to record such info. I think its important to keep track of information, not only for ease of "passing them along", but also in the unfortunate event of a fire or theft.

dogtown tom · December 30, 2009, 01:13 PM

GunSafe 2.8 www.somanyroads.org/gunsafe/
FREE database software for firearms collections. You’ll never use spreadsheets again.

bangbangshootshoot · December 30, 2009, 01:27 PM

Nice. Thanks dogtown.

45Gunner · December 30, 2009, 03:02 PM

Thanks for posting Gunsafe. I will give it a try.

I keep a spread sheet of all guns in my inventory. It contains the date I acquired it, the manufacturer, model, serial number, caliber, type finish, and any other pertinent data. I do not put a price on the gun because I do not want to crap in her pants or give her a heart attack.

I have a separate file for pictures of the gun. My main purpose is for insurance.
But, it is also nice to have all the data just a finger touch away instead of having to run to the safe anytime I need to reference something about a particular gun.

BigJimP · December 30, 2009, 03:53 PM

I just use a simple excel spreadsheet .....and digital photos that are dated - like the attached ...as an example . Mfg, make, model, any special items on the gun, custom grips, barrel length, extra mags, etc ... cost paid, Actual value now, and replacement cost ...... and which one of the boys it is to go to.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...2&d=1259866336
( which are my .357 mag revolvers )...

I update the spreadsheet / and the photos every 6 months ...( kind of like changing the batteries in the smoke detectors at home - June 30th and Dec 30 th).

Simple is better - because it means its easier to update.

jborushko · December 30, 2009, 04:04 PM

list: make, model, barrel length, function, serial number, any modifications, any repairs, i like pictures to include pictures. also i keep and scan the copies of my receipts.

bangbangshootshoot · December 30, 2009, 10:35 PM

dogtown, I spent the afternoon logging my stuff into Gunsafe, hopefully finish up tomorrow. Good program!

Zildjian · December 31, 2009, 01:07 PM

Hello Dogtown, I downloaded the program...everything works great except for the image part. I run Vista on my PC. When trying to add an image....I am told that their is a Filter not installed. Other than that..I sure do like it and it is a life saver. I can put it on Sandisk and then store for later use and update
it at a later point in time. Can you tell me please sir... what might have gone wrong with my installation ...Http or Ftp download.? Thank you .

bangbangshootshoot · December 31, 2009, 02:11 PM

I used the HTTP option & all works aok, although I'm using XP & not familiar with Vista.

dogtown tom · December 31, 2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Zildjian:...Can you tell me please sir... what might have gone wrong with my installation ...Http or Ftp download.? Thank you .

Sorry, that's not my program. I ran across it a few years ago.

Sevens · December 31, 2009, 02:39 PM

Usually, one of these threads doesn't make it even this far before the paranoid types show up and sprinkle in all the reasons why they don't want any kind of any list of firearms they may have ever owned but were then lost in a tragic boating accident.

Me... I simply use MS-Excel. I list anything I buy related to the hobby, right down to the tiniest, cheapest little thing, where and generally when I bought it. (month & year) I keep details on these things so that if I go to buy another, I have an idea of what I paid and how much it's gone up and if I need to keep looking for a better price.

I find it to be a very handy resource and I won't ever stop adding purchases to it.

Zildjian · December 31, 2009, 06:31 PM

Ok... sorry for that miscue on my part Dogtown. Thanks . I will try the HTTP as what Bangbang said worked for him and re-download again. Thanks for the info from you guys here. That really is a nice program to use. gotta go back and finish what I was doing..Ya'll have a good one and stay out of the cold..its damn sure cold here in the concho valley .

langenc · December 31, 2009, 09:38 PM

"I do not put a price on the gun because I do not want to ....."

Dont let em sell em for what we told them we paid for em.

A friend recently told me about an old 70 that he got for a couple humdred bucks from a widow. I told him 'shame on you'. He related that she gave him a good deal cause he helped her liquidate several other guns.

Matt19 · January 1, 2010, 12:33 AM

Nothing fancy for me. Just makes,models, serial numbers, value, who they should go to and multiple copies in multiple locations.

Shadi Khalil · January 1, 2010, 01:15 AM

I use excell to log all sorts of info from my range trips.

22-rimfire · January 1, 2010, 10:15 AM

I use an Excel spread sheet to document important information about all firearms I own. It is organized by purchase year primarily. Such things as make & model, date purchased, caliber, source, price (excluding sales tax) rounded to $5 increments, date manufactured if known, accessories, box & original papers, and whether 4473 completed with purchase, When I sell a firearm, sales information is saved concerning the firearm including buyer's name and any other information I have on them. Often this is limited to buyer's name, address if I know it, and date sold.

If I didn't do this, I literally would forget that I owned many of them. I print out a hard copy when I update the list, keep the orginal on my regular computer and have copies backed up on an external hard drive and CD's. One copy is saved in a safety deposit box along with other information I consider important should something happen to me and others would have to pick up the pieces.

At one time I used a Lotus spread sheet as I preferred Lotus to Excel. One needs to pay attention as to what program things are saved on and potentially change software as things change. For example, I can not open any Lotus file any more without a lot of effort.

Uncle Buck · January 3, 2010, 09:07 PM

I never thought about keeping a record of who I sold a gun to. I think it is a good idea and I will start doing so. Nothing fancy, but I will record the name of the person and where he/she lives or what shop I sold it to.

kilimanjaro · January 3, 2010, 11:33 PM

Just a simple spreadsheet for me, includes firearms, magazines, bayonets, extras such as scopes, etc. Should be good for insurance purposes.

pichon · January 4, 2010, 05:08 PM

I like the one from the ATF. It is simple and official looking, not that that matters.

Found here.

Richy Fiberglass · January 10, 2010, 08:25 PM

I like that Personal Firearms Record, but I would follow it up with a digital picture of each one so you can show the condition.

DiscoRacing · January 10, 2010, 08:35 PM

i have several copies... and one on the pc... have listed make,model,caliber,upgrades(if any), serial number, any distiguishing features, price, and where bought.

berettaprofessor · January 13, 2010, 01:52 PM

I use Quicken. Set up an account that lets me record each firearm including serial #'s and costs, and you can attach notes and pictures to each entry; letting me keep pictures of my firearms and explanations of where I got them and the FFL for each. Also then gives me a very scary running tab of how much I've got invested!

leadcounsel · January 13, 2010, 03:46 PM

I use separate excel sheet for C&R and for total collection. I email it to myself regularly when there are changes so that I have a backup if my computer is lost, stolen or crashes or is destroyed. In a burglary or fire it's likely that my electronics will get snatched or ruined.

December 30, 2009, 10:32 AM	#1
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	Recording Your Collection I was wondering how you folks record your collection of firearms and related stuff. I was updating my will and took some of my firearms info into the lawyers office with me. He really liked the list and said he was going to do something like it for his collection. (He figured the police would just be able to look up his pistols and get the serial numbers, so why bother. I told him I did not think it would be all that easy.) 1. Firearm type (Caliber/make/model/style, other pertinent info) 2. What I paid for it (If I can remember) 3. Where I got it from and when. (Again, if I can remember) 4. Year of manufacture, if the info can be found. Pre-serial number guns are a pain in the butt to figure out (i.e., Stevens .22/410) 5. Who I want the firearm left to. (Why is it when I update the list just before Christmas, I get a lot more Christmas cards?) I have a separate book with my reloading stuff in it and pictures of the stuff. (Detailing what it is, what I bought it for and threatening to come back and haunt anyone who just gives it away for pennies on the dollar. ) I also have a few old ammo boxes, mostly from the '60s and '70s which I put an index card into, explaining what it is and what it might be worth. I am not ready to pass any of the things along to anyone right now (hopefully will not have to pass anything along for at least another 50 years.), but I figure my wife is going to have enough stuff to worry about once I am gone that this is something she will not have to fuss with. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

December 30, 2009, 12:17 PM	#2
Lurch37 Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Middle of Nebraska Posts: 944	For my collection I use a simple spreadsheet to record the: Make, Model, Caliber, Serial Number, DOM/DOP, Value. In a seperate file I have a picture of each firearm with a simple description. I suppose someday I could combine the two into one file to make it a little easier but ir works for me. I also update it maybe two or three times a year depending on my selling, buying, trading habits. Finally, I store both these files on my hard drive and also onto a flash drive that I keep in a secure location. I do know there are actual software programs out there that one can buy that are designed specificaly for firearm collectors that allow a myriad of info to be added along with several pictures. I also saw that in my latest NRA magazine they have a nice looking book that allows one to record such info. I think its important to keep track of information, not only for ease of "passing them along", but also in the unfortunate event of a fire or theft. __________________ I reject your reality and substitute my own.

December 30, 2009, 01:13 PM	#3
dogtown tom Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 3,089	GunSafe 2.8 www.somanyroads.org/gunsafe/ FREE database software for firearms collections. You’ll never use spreadsheets again. __________________ Need a FFL in Dallas/Plano/Allen/Frisco/McKinney ? Just EMAIL me. $20 transfers ($10 for CHL, active military,police,fire or schoolteachers) Plano, Texas...........the Gun Nut Capitol of Gun Culture, USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELwCqz2JfE

December 30, 2009, 01:27 PM	#4
bangbangshootshoot Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 231	Nice. Thanks dogtown. __________________ All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife. -Daniel Boone

December 30, 2009, 03:02 PM	#5
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 1,902	Thanks for posting Gunsafe. I will give it a try. I keep a spread sheet of all guns in my inventory. It contains the date I acquired it, the manufacturer, model, serial number, caliber, type finish, and any other pertinent data. I do not put a price on the gun because I do not want to crap in her pants or give her a heart attack. I have a separate file for pictures of the gun. My main purpose is for insurance. But, it is also nice to have all the data just a finger touch away instead of having to run to the safe anytime I need to reference something about a particular gun. __________________ 45Gunner May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor NRA Life Member

December 30, 2009, 03:53 PM	#6
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I just use a simple excel spreadsheet .....and digital photos that are dated - like the attached ...as an example . Mfg, make, model, any special items on the gun, custom grips, barrel length, extra mags, etc ... cost paid, Actual value now, and replacement cost ...... and which one of the boys it is to go to. http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...2&d=1259866336 ( which are my .357 mag revolvers )... I update the spreadsheet / and the photos every 6 months ...( kind of like changing the batteries in the smoke detectors at home - June 30th and Dec 30 th). Simple is better - because it means its easier to update.

December 30, 2009, 04:04 PM	#7
jborushko Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2009 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 469	list: make, model, barrel length, function, serial number, any modifications, any repairs, i like pictures to include pictures. also i keep and scan the copies of my receipts. __________________ EDIT: yeah i always "edit" my posts

December 30, 2009, 10:35 PM	#8
bangbangshootshoot Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 231	dogtown, I spent the afternoon logging my stuff into Gunsafe, hopefully finish up tomorrow. Good program! __________________ All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife. -Daniel Boone

December 31, 2009, 01:07 PM	#9
Zildjian Member Join Date: October 2, 2009 Location: Ballinger, Tx. Posts: 47	Hello Dogtown, I downloaded the program...everything works great except for the image part. I run Vista on my PC. When trying to add an image....I am told that their is a Filter not installed. Other than that..I sure do like it and it is a life saver. I can put it on Sandisk and then store for later use and update it at a later point in time. Can you tell me please sir... what might have gone wrong with my installation ...Http or Ftp download.? Thank you . __________________ I Dont know you....but I have met you 1,000 times before.

December 31, 2009, 02:11 PM	#10
bangbangshootshoot Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 231	I used the HTTP option & all works aok, although I'm using XP & not familiar with Vista. __________________ All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife. -Daniel Boone

December 31, 2009, 02:39 PM	#12
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Usually, one of these threads doesn't make it even this far before the paranoid types show up and sprinkle in all the reasons why they don't want any kind of any list of firearms they may have ever owned but were then lost in a tragic boating accident. Me... I simply use MS-Excel. I list anything I buy related to the hobby, right down to the tiniest, cheapest little thing, where and generally when I bought it. (month & year) I keep details on these things so that if I go to buy another, I have an idea of what I paid and how much it's gone up and if I need to keep looking for a better price. I find it to be a very handy resource and I won't ever stop adding purchases to it. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

December 31, 2009, 06:31 PM	#13
Zildjian Member Join Date: October 2, 2009 Location: Ballinger, Tx. Posts: 47	Ok... sorry for that miscue on my part Dogtown. Thanks . I will try the HTTP as what Bangbang said worked for him and re-download again. Thanks for the info from you guys here. That really is a nice program to use. gotta go back and finish what I was doing..Ya'll have a good one and stay out of the cold..its damn sure cold here in the concho valley . __________________ I Dont know you....but I have met you 1,000 times before.

December 31, 2009, 09:38 PM	#14
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	"I do not put a price on the gun because I do not want to ....." Dont let em sell em for what we told them we paid for em. A friend recently told me about an old 70 that he got for a couple humdred bucks from a widow. I told him 'shame on you'. He related that she gave him a good deal cause he helped her liquidate several other guns.

January 1, 2010, 12:33 AM	#15
Matt19 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 1999 Posts: 315	Nothing fancy for me. Just makes,models, serial numbers, value, who they should go to and multiple copies in multiple locations. __________________ In life, you'll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it.-Bear Bryant.

January 1, 2010, 01:15 AM	#16
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I use excell to log all sorts of info from my range trips.

January 1, 2010, 10:15 AM	#17
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	I use an Excel spread sheet to document important information about all firearms I own. It is organized by purchase year primarily. Such things as make & model, date purchased, caliber, source, price (excluding sales tax) rounded to $5 increments, date manufactured if known, accessories, box & original papers, and whether 4473 completed with purchase, When I sell a firearm, sales information is saved concerning the firearm including buyer's name and any other information I have on them. Often this is limited to buyer's name, address if I know it, and date sold. If I didn't do this, I literally would forget that I owned many of them. I print out a hard copy when I update the list, keep the orginal on my regular computer and have copies backed up on an external hard drive and CD's. One copy is saved in a safety deposit box along with other information I consider important should something happen to me and others would have to pick up the pieces. At one time I used a Lotus spread sheet as I preferred Lotus to Excel. One needs to pay attention as to what program things are saved on and potentially change software as things change. For example, I can not open any Lotus file any more without a lot of effort.

January 3, 2010, 09:07 PM	#18
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	I never thought about keeping a record of who I sold a gun to. I think it is a good idea and I will start doing so. Nothing fancy, but I will record the name of the person and where he/she lives or what shop I sold it to. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

January 3, 2010, 11:33 PM	#19
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	Just a simple spreadsheet for me, includes firearms, magazines, bayonets, extras such as scopes, etc. Should be good for insurance purposes.

January 4, 2010, 05:08 PM	#20
pichon Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 439	I like the one from the ATF. It is simple and official looking, not that that matters. Found here.

January 10, 2010, 08:25 PM	#21
Richy Fiberglass Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Location: Meriden, Ct. Posts: 33	Firearms record I like that Personal Firearms Record, but I would follow it up with a digital picture of each one so you can show the condition.

January 10, 2010, 08:35 PM	#22
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	i have several copies... and one on the pc... have listed make,model,caliber,upgrades(if any), serial number, any distiguishing features, price, and where bought.

January 13, 2010, 01:52 PM	#23
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	I use Quicken. Set up an account that lets me record each firearm including serial #'s and costs, and you can attach notes and pictures to each entry; letting me keep pictures of my firearms and explanations of where I got them and the FFL for each. Also then gives me a very scary running tab of how much I've got invested!

January 13, 2010, 03:46 PM	#24
leadcounsel Junior member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2,119	I use separate excel sheet for C&R and for total collection. I email it to myself regularly when there are changes so that I have a backup if my computer is lost, stolen or crashes or is destroyed. In a burglary or fire it's likely that my electronics will get snatched or ruined.