Armory Sponsor
Posted: 2/19/2004 8:45:20 PM EDT
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How do you guys keep track of your collection? i.e. - Shoebox full of papers, spreadsheet, database, dedicated software program, etc. Tell me how you keep your records. I used to keep everything in a 3-ring binder, but I long ago outgrew that system. Then I tried a dedicated firearms inventory program, but lost everything when my old machine crashed. Right now I have a drawer full of manuals, receipts, hand written notes and business cards. I have most of the basic info on most of my guns stored in a simple spreadsheet, but not a comprehensive list. I KNOW that I need to do something different, but I'm not sure how to go about it efficiently and effectively. What records do you guys keep, other than just the serial numbers? I'm mainly focused on documenting everything for insurance purposes. At the same time, I want to make sure that I have my ass covered if the JBTs ever come knocking. I buy/sell/trade at least one gun a month, and I don't want a hassle if a gun that I once owned ends up being used in a crime and is traced back to me. I'm open to all suggestions, just don't tell me that you let the .gov take care of this task for you.  |
I use MS Excel. Colums showing all the data about the firearm, serial #, how much paid, replacement value and anyting special. Than at the very bottom, have a row of "SOLD" items and list, who, when, where, $$$ serial # etc. As far as paper receipts from purchase, i make a copy and just clip all the copies together and store in a second location (if that is feasible). |
| I scanned copies of all my records and reciepts into my computer and took pictures of serial numbers and the firearms them selves. I also keep track of how many rounds fired and maintance for each gun. In the rare case I sell one I make a copy of the persons Drivers lic. and their permit to carry if they have one. Better safe than sorry. |
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I was using excel I switched to access so I could link the guns to the type of ammo that they shoot and keep track of the amount of ammo on hand for each one in access97 www.geocities.com/tatical15th/gundatabase.zip |
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Having worked in business continuity planning I'll confirm a couple of ideas presented. Keep a list of the firearms and serial numbers with descriptions just as others have said. This helps in the event of a loss or theft. And will faciltate recover efforts. Take photos of the firearms just as others have said. This is particualry helpful if an insurance claim needs to be made. Also helpful if damage to firearms occured from fire, water or smoke damage. Keep copies of all your sales orders to show actual value. Keep multiple copies for all of the above information. If it is all electronic, burn the information to disc and store it away from your home. Most likely in a safe deposit box or a friends house. Mainly, if a fire event occurs count your PC will be chared along with other things. Mainly you are building a layer of information that you can get to if one format or copy becomes unavailable for any reason. Realize that your offsite storage facilties share the same risks of loss as your home, Keep a copy in your safe. Hopefully you have a safe, if not get one. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover any loss or damage. Most homeowners policies only a token amount for firearms. if you have a safe it may help reduce the insurance cost. One other thing for insurance, coveringt the firearms themselves is fine, but don;t forget that accesories make up a good portion of peoples collections also. Kepp track of them as well for all the reasons above. Note some insurance will require an appraisal for unusually high priced items so make sure you have one and store multiple copies of that. In terms of other information to track. Detailed descriptions are helpful especially in a theft situation. A friend who has had forearms stolen had detailed descriptions of very minute details that allowed recoverd firearms to be identifed by police and returned to him. |
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make, model, caliber/gauge, SN, description, and approximate value all in Excel. Photos of the entire collection spread out, each firearm and of each serial number. All of this is saved on 3 different computers and burned onto regular and mini cd's (for safe deposit box at bank.) Since I only buy 1 or 2 guns each year, it isn't too much trouble to keep everything updated. |
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