Gun Inventory Software

[pmd]

So this weekend I took pictures of most of my firearms and now would like to create a database with date purchased, price paid, serial numbers, photos, paperwork etc.

I know there are several free software options on the web.

What are some of you folks using.

Thanks.

Paul

[-JQ-]

Following the KISS rule. I would seriously consider using Excel (not a "database"). It is straight forward and linear/sortable/searchable.

Databases get funky pretty quickly unless you are a DBA. There is a DB called Filemaker Pro. This came from the Mac world but is also PC friendly. It is a database that isn't a database...it is a flat file (think Excel) with a warm and fuzzy user interface.

Don't even think about Access. Unless you really don't like shooting and want to become a database guy..and then you still don't want Access. I've used it a bunch and still hate it.

Go with Excel.

My $.02

Good luck...

Ps there are some hard core DB guys here...maybe they have a DB worked out already...I'd still use excel...just me though.

[MT_Bear]

+1 on Excel - You can place links in your spreadsheet to other files such as scanned receipts, photos, or even online manuals.

[D.Hayden]

Excel is great for this sort of stuff. It really functions as a limited database, and has 99% of all the functions you'd want available.

And Excel 2007 doesn't have that pesky 64K row limit (per sheet), they've raised it to 1M, so it can probably accommodate what you need.

It can be a little expensive. You might check out Star Office or another open source.. but some sort of spreadsheet software will get you everything you need.

[Graham Smith]

I build databases for a living and a lot of people who think they need a database, don't. A spreadsheet makes a perfectly good inventory program for most things. If you don't already own Office, check out Open Office

[D.Hayden]

Open Office.. sorry - That's the one I meant too ... maybe Star Office was the old name?

[pmd]

I do have Excel - maybe I'll start there.

I was just being lazy and was hoping for a program that was set-up with templates so that I could just type in the info and paste pictures.

There seems to be some free software onlune like this.

http://somanyroads.org/gunsafe/

[Flexmoney]

Google for some terms like inventory spread sheets, or the like.

You don't really need a "gun specific" program, I wouldn't think?

[Tom Balko]

Office online has templates that may be helpful. or maybe not

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101172541033.aspx

[islandtime]

I have a couple of Excel "programs" that I've picked up along the way.

Reloading Calculator

1. Calculates price per round, 50, 100.... based on the cost of components.

2. Calculates how much powder to load X amount of rounds.

3. Calculates time to payback on a new reloader and accessories.

4. Print box labels or reloading slips with current load data.

Gun/Shooting Log

1. Tracks guns with columns for serial, date of purchase, date of sale, who did the ffl, etc

2. Tracks rounds shot per gun

3. Track reloading data

Reloading.zip

Gun Log.zip

[open17]

NM gun collecting software

http://www.nmcollector.net/

[pmd]

NM gun collecting software

http://www.nmcollector.net/

I'll take a look - Thanks.

[BMartens]

NM gun collecting software

http://www.nmcollector.net/

Any experience with this program? It looks interesting for a serious collector, how is it for a hobby situation?

[Pezco]

You likely already have Excel so the software is paid for and easy to use.