Firearm and Ammo Inventory Management

[farson135]

My firearm inventory management is lacking. Right now, I just have an excel document with all the relevant info. I saw pictures of a firearm inventory app, and it got me interested. Do y’all use a firearm inventory app or software? Or do you know of a good program? My big need is, beyond the basics, I want to be able to back up the info. Thieves will probably get to my computer before they get to my guns. Needless to say, I want a good program given the potential of leaks.

I am also looking for a good ammo tracker. I have an excel document, but I collect old milsurps (shockingly the 8x56mmR cartridge never took off), and I recently inherited a bunch of firearms (and that added 7 new calibers). The document is getting a little messy. I either need to reorganize it, or start over. If it also tracks reloading data, then that is a big plus.

Mygundb seems to fit both needs. Has anyone used it?

I saw some older threads, but I wondered if there was new information.

Edit to add;
This is a list of everyone's suggestions (aside from physical copies, Excel, and word)-

From kscharlie, http://www.yoursecondamendment.com/
From jmace57, http://www.nmcollector.net/nmguncollector/index.htm
From bullzeye8 (seems to be IOS only), http://www.slinkworks.com/Gun_Log_SPC.html

 

[wally]

I don't bother with an app. Like you, we have a spreadsheet with all the relevant info in columns and an extra column for the name of a digital camera photo of that gun. Works well enough for us and I don't need to conform to someone else's idea of how it should be. I save it in an encrypted folder and back up to an encrypted USB stick.

 

[Havok7416]

If you are worried about data loss, USB sticks are cheap and easy. You can backup your data 100 times if you want and have those in 100 separate locations - elsewhere in the house, at the neighbors, with a family member, etc.

I keep it pretty basic and I agree with wally that I don't need someone else's template or idea of how it should look.

 

[hdwhit]

I am not aware of any firearms/ammunition inventory applications, but a quick search for "Firearms Inventory Program" returned 407,000 results, so even after you skip the commercial and FFL-specific applications, I'm sure you could find one that meets your needs.

I've been inventorying and tracking my ammuniton and reloading components using pre-printed forms and three-ring binders since before there was such a thing as a personal computer. By the way, I was in college and participated in the team that did the first (documented) "clean room" development of an Apple II compatible BIOS with native support for both upper and lower-case letters, so I'm never been a stranger to computers, but some things just don't need to be computerized and the three-ring binder system works very well for me and I've seen no need to change it.

If you're worried about hackers, you might decide to keep all of your firearms information off the computer. A mischevious hacker could get into your system, get your firearms database and then report all of your guns as stolen. That would cause you no end of problems when you went to sell them or if you got stopped for a traffic violation and were searched.

 

[farson135]

Thanks for the responses.

Right now I backup my excel docs to several encrypted USB drives. The copy on my computer is also encrypted. Any program that I start using has to do the same.

I am not worried about someone hacking my computer. I paid good money to encrypt sensitive documents (I know someone could break it, but it is unlikely someone would bother). I am more worried about an unscrupulous app developer stealing information. I see plenty of apps. How many can be trusted is the question.

 

[reddog81]

What can an app do that a spreadsheet can't?
An ammo tracker seems like more hassle than it's worth. I can look at my supply and see 10 boxes of 38 special easier than keeping track of all the items going in and out.

 

[kscharlie]

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was looking for a computer app much like what you are looking for. Previously, I had been using a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. In my search for something different/better, I ran across an app from http://www.yoursecondamendment.com/ . I purchased the X-Lite version for $30. After installing the software and getting my firearms inputted, I just absolutely love this program. In addition to the firearms database it provides, there is also a database for ammo and one for accessories. You can add up to 10 pictures to each firearm record, include notes about the firearm, keep tabs on rounds fired for each gun, and on and on. The thing that really sold me on this program is the fact that you can install it anywhere you want, including a USB thumb drive. You can then take the USB device and use the program on another computer. It does not require anything to be installed on the local hard drive.

Disclaimer: I am not employed or affiliated with this company in any way.

 

[FullClip]

I've got an Excel spread sheet for my guns....been meaning to add pictures to if for years now.

Ammo?....it's like Christmas sometimes when I dig through the boxes. Nothing like finding a few spam cans of 30-06 loaded in enbloc clips you'd forgotten about...or half a dozen 7.62 Nato "battle backs" that had been hiding behind some empty scope boxes on the top shelf in a closet.

 

[JTHunter]

Farson - while an Excel spreadsheet is a great way to keep track of the numbers & words for your inventory, getting the pictures in isn't as easy.
I found it far easier to put in the multiple pictures of my firearms (full length left/right, close-up on serial numbers AND "special identifying marks") then type the assorted info underneath the pictures OR in a "text box" on the side, if the pictures come out unevenly.
Good luck with your record-keeping.

 

[jmace57]

Here is a free one. Nothing fancy, but might get the job done. You've got to be careful with the installation as it is older an pick a different installation directory than the default.

http://www.nmcollector.net/nmguncollector/index.htm

 

[Jack R]

I'm a dinosaur..all firearm info written on large index cards & locked up in hidden fire proof box with other important papers..wife & daughter know location of box

 

[bullzeye8]

I use the gunlog spc app on my iphone. It keeps track of both guns, ammo, accessories, range sessions, round count of guns, and maybe more I'm missing. I mainly use it for recording firearms and more expensive parts and accesories (scopes, triggers, etc.). I would definitely recommend it especially since its only like $1.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

If you can count your guns then you don't have enough.
Ammo should be stacked high and deep.

 

[Jim NE]

I don't want my gun collection catalogued or detailed on any computer or electronic device, though I could understand why someone with, say, hundreds of firearms might find it necessary. This is a good thread because it reminds me that I need to update my old list, which is no longer near accurate. I keep either my sales or transfer receipts, but a list is helpful. A fireproof strongbox is where I keep my list. And having a record somewhere of all the serial numbers for all the guns is quite important for insurance and theft.

 

[medalguy]

I use Excel to track guns, ammo and components. Gun photos are simply stored on a thumb drive and backed up copies are with both of my adult children. In addition I email a copy of all these to myself so it's available to me anytime, anywhere.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I am old school. I have paper firearms inventory books. I have a double set. One is kept in the house. One is not.

 

[Twiki357]

I have a separate sub-directory on my computer for all thing firearms related. Then three separate sub-directories with-in it. One for inventory of guns, accessories, reloading supplies, etc. Each on a separate excel spread sheet. A second sub-directory for pictures of all of my guns and equipment including a scan of the purchase receipt. The photos of guns are indexed to the inventory spread sheet. The third sub-directory contains a text document for each gun with a complete description and all information I have about it including the disposition if I no longer have it.


I gave up on an inventory of ammunition. Just to many ins and outs to keep track of.

 

[farson135]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have edited the OP in case anyone in the future has the same question.

Inheriting these firearms and accessories has forced me to reorganize. I want to perform a detailed inventory so that if I am every incapacitated, my family knows what I have. The easier it is for me to maintain the inventory system, the more likely it is I will keep it up to date (both their copy and mine). For that, I am willing to sacrifice a little security. Plus, I cannot describe how annoyed I was cleaning out my gun closet. At one point I was looking at my shelves, and I wondered, “what is in that box”? I opened it. Inside were, two boxes of ammo (one empty), a sling, three .22 bullets, a reloading die, a Nagant Oiler, a scope, and my “lost” armorer's wrench. God only knows what I was thinking. The only thing I do know is that 2 weeks ago I bought another of that same type of sling.

 

[Alte Schule]

As a C&R collector I'm required to keep a bound notebook to record all pertinent firearm information although I have been told you can use something like Excel if you want. I found a Firearms Collectors Log on line that covers all the information, buyer & seller, that the feds want and it was a free download. Although not required I also take photos and keep them in the log book. I use the same form, separate notebook, for my non C&R eligible firearms.
I'm pretty anal about my record keeping but I'll admit since the weather has been cooperating as of late I've been hitting the outdoor range & burning through a lot of .223, 9mm, 5.7 & .38 Special ammo so I know my counts on those are way off. Hopefully I can correct that this weekend.

 

[FL-NC]

I take pics of guns with my phone, email to myself, and save them in a folder in my email. The subject is the gun, the text of the email is serial# and any other info I want preserved. Free, simple, and accessible as long as I have email access. As an option, it can be printed to produce hard copies for backup.

 

[doubleh]

I'm seriously old school. Paper, two copies for firearms. One at home that I update when I make an addition or deletion and one in the safe deposit box that I update when needed. Ammo, I just look on the shelves of the open cabinet where I store it. It's seperated by caliber so it's easy to see. Same deal on reloading supplies in another open cabinet.

I know this is very low tech but it's worked since long before the home computer was invented and seems simpler, easier, and much cheaper than doing spreadsheet, apps, dedicated files, thumb drives, hard drives and all that. Guess it's a generation thing.

 

[everydefense]

I just use Excel for my firearm inventory, but this thread made me realize I need to track ammo storage. I keep it in a fairly stable environment, but always best to keep stock rotating.

 

[huntsman]

An Excel spreadsheet is about as far as I'm willing to go. My firearms inventory is pretty much static, ammo is entered in on purchase then inventoried once a year with ammo shot transferred over to it's own spreadsheet, that allows not only an inventory but rounds fired as well.

 

[FL-NC]

I just like to email the pics and info to myself and put in a file in my email. A computer, paper logs, etc. may get stolen or burned up, but the file will always exist in cyber land and can be accessed from anywhere that there is internet, 24/7. The safe deposit box can only be accessed at the bank during business hours.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm another old school inventory keeper, with paper copies of firearms, ammunition, and accessories stored in a number of different locations. Have them in safes, a safety deposit box, and locked file cabinets. I also have photos of all my guns and keep a running count on ammo I have used a d update my Inventory accordingly.