Gun Records

[JoshuaS]

So I started making a database for the guns I own. I don't own that many, but figured I wanted things in case of theft, or if I sold it and it got used in a crime (especially if I leave CA and sell it later)

I have only sold a few guns in the past, and have no clue what the serial numbers were, but I did right down what I remembered (when and where I bought them sold them and model numbers)

Figured the database should be comprehensive and serve multiple functions What I have so far is

Type, Action, Make, Model, Model #, Catalog #, Serial #, Caliber, Finish, Barrel Length, Modifications, Date Acquired, Where Acquired, Dealer/Private Party, Cost, Special Characteristics, Primary Use, Recipient in case of death

And if sold when, where to whom and how much

I a thinking of adding (being a reloader) favorite load(s) as well

For some guns I cannot remember the exact date, but figure be as accurate as possible (I used my old HSC to date my first purchase)

Question is, should I include anything else? Anything that would be useful for insurance or estate purposes, or what have you?

[Rainbow Warrior]

pictures

[antiseen]

I keep all my records and receipts. I also have a book where I write down make, model, serial #, and how many rounds I put through. The round count is more just for my info/tracking.

I also take multiple pictures of each firearm - their serial numbers as well as any identifying marks, including a whole rifle pic.

The book is mainly for my own record keeping. I keep hard copies of all my paperwork, plus scanned copies on my pc as well as cloud backup. Photos on pc plus cloud backup.

If my firearms are ever stolen I've got all my info nice, neat, and easy to hand over to pd. I know receipts fade over time, so the online scans are nice to have as well as easy to print out copies or email. Having them on the cloud also makes me able to access them anywhere, including if my house burns down and I lose all my hard copies and physical backups.

[PatC415]

Sounds like OCD like the rest of us!
Good to keep records AND pics.

[Pally]

I keep a spreadsheet similar to OP's. I'm also going to take photos of all of my firearms very soon. Seems like a very good idea.

[tanks]

I scan the receipts, the DROS, and take pictures. Each gun has a folder associated with it that contains the above. I also have a spreadsheet that has the date, number of rounds fired, ammo (factory or my reloads) that I have used that day, as well as cleaning history.
Second sheet on the worksheet has everything I have bought for it (holster(s), mags etc.), including vendor, date, and cost.
Third sheet contains the loads developed for the gun.

[razr]

Picture of the FA, Pict of any box or manuals that came with the FA, Serial No, Date of manufacture, Finish, Date of purchase, Location of transfer, Purchase price, Any added items such as holster, extra mags, grips, upgraded sights etc, Total cost. At the bottom I add a short description of the condition or history behind it. Make 2 copies place one in the original box if any and the other stays with all original receipts and DROS papers inside a folder. All of this is done on one page, per FA. I also a keep a digital copy of all this and update it as needed.

[JoshuaS]

And here I thought I was being OCD

Pictures are good. Receipts? Not possible save my most recent (well I should have all but one, which got destroyed, but I cannot find them). As a future note, a good idea, especially for insurance purposes.

I would do all of this digitally, email it to myself, and save it on a cloud, and my backup harddrive (I do all my paperwork that way now, even since a file got corrupted and the backup program uploaded it to the cloud, overwriting the good file... )

Accessories sound like a good idea, especially for nice ones like sights.

Round count? At best I could guestimate, except my latest. I suppose it would be good if I ever need to sell or if something breaks, to gauge the quality or lack thereof.

But I am not sure I could be OCD enough to log my cleanings of the gun! Though, if I had a much larger connection, such that some get stored a while without use, having a log would be helpful, so I could see, hey my 1923 Colt hasn't been touched in x months, should check it for rust and maintain as nedesary, etc.

[GreggieBoy]

Sounds like a great idea to more or less catalog them. Nice to be organized and have a record of what you own.