I’ve decided it is time for me to do an inventory of my gun collection. This would be for insurance and I’m thinking about doing an Excel spreadsheet, but am wondering if there is one “out there” already. I also wonder about any commercial database-type software. I’m not an FFL dealer, so I don’t need anything too elaborate.
Do any of you fellow gun enthusiasts have an inventory or info that may help me in my quest?
I have a simple Word document that I list the manufacturer, model and serial number. It could be done with Excel if you wanted along with additional information.
I keep my list in separate places in case something should happen i can access it from just about anywhere.
This what Mine looks like, very simple. I recommend having good pictures of all of your items, both sides and make sure the S/N’s are legible on the pics.
Make everything easy. Don’t build super database just for inventory.
Excel / Word table is a good thing.
I do it differently. For me the most important are paperwork and pictures and this is what you mostly need .
I have a separate folder for each firearm and I keep copies of every document related to the firearm and pictures of it.
Serials number needed the most is on purchase or transfer receipt plus on the pictures.
There is a form called “Personal Firearms Record - Form P3312.8”. This may or may not suffice for insurance, but it will contain the information necessary to satisfy DOJ if you have to file a stolen or lost firearm report. Separate from this I have a photo inventory (MS Word or PowerPoint works well). Two pix of each firearm - overall and the serial number. After creating these documents, I filed them in my safe and erased/deleted/scrubbed them from my computer.
XLS w/serial numbers. I just send that to the insurance.
Good idea saving info electronically.
I started with a paper record and lost track of where I kept it.
Keep it simple. As for me, what my CCW permit requires to be listed means they’re the minimum relevant data to keep
Manufacturer, serial number, caliber, and model
If you have a sportsmans warehouse near you, they have firearm records books for free that have all of the relevant information you need for insurance of to keep a record an case if loss to fire or theft. I keep a copy of all of them in two different places in case of a house fire.
I use something similar to what @Enzo_T mentioned. I have a printout and 2 photos of each firearm. I also keep a record of what accessories I have on each firearm and the receipts for the accessories.
Then a copy of all records stored in separate fireproof safes (3).
I read this at first and just thought a simple Excel file with relevant data would be good. Somebody above mentioned PowerPoint and that’s a great idea, as you can have one asset per slide with relevant information and you can paste in pictures of the asset as well as receipts very easily. I may actually do that myself, great idea.
Edit: Great idea Larry
Photos can be inserted (and resized and/or rotated if desired) in both Excel and Word as well if you don’t want to copy and paste all your existing data into PowerPoint …
What is the value of the photo?
To substantiate the serial number, the existence of the firearm in your possession, and because it looks cool!
There was an app for that. It let you text the info to a cop’s phone if a gun did get stolen. I think it was called gunsafe, but I don’t remember for sure.
We had a deal with an insurance company regarding some tools and equipment stolen from our garage. It was pictures, not necessarily, of the equipment but you could see the generator and saw in the background that sealed the deal.
And if I send them a pic of someone else’s firearm, on purpose or in error?
Send to who? Why?
Thanks to everyone that replied to my post! There were lots of good suggestions. I’ve begun making an Excel spreadsheet with columns for much of what was mentioned here.
I’m also making a folder for receipts and manuals for each firearm. I may add a photo of each gun to the spreadsheet, but I first must find the “Round Tuit” I seemed to have misplaced.
It sounds like you’re on it, Ken. I use the spreadsheet method. My insurance and I have a decades long relationship. We’re not trying to harm each other. I do keep pics of all from multiple angles, including the s/n. If I need them, I’ll have them, but no ned to share with anyone unless needed.
