Do you keep a log book / record of your collectable firearms?

I am looking for ideas to crate a template for a log book in which to enter the salient details about my collectable firearms, including accessories. I recall seeing a well thought out one for Mosin Nagant rifles on http://7.62x54r.net/ but, unfortunately that site no longer exists. Beyond the usual make, model, serial etc it had panels in which to include stamps and other markings.

Yes - I could sit down and design one myself (and will do just that) but I was interested to see if others log such details and what and how they set it out. I cannot be the only person here with OCD :D

I did a quick search and couldn't find anything but happy to be pointed in the right direction.

I just used a hard cover notebook and did the headings at top. It's not the template like Garand Collectors with full info but it worked. Then again, I drew it all out by hand by page with just columns.

I just use an Excel worksheet on my computer. You can add as many rows or columns as needed. I then back it up to a server so that if I ever lose it or my computer crashes, I can retrieve it with a simple download. I also keep a copy on a thumb drive in my safe deposit box. Probably overkill, but I like to have back-ups to my back-ups.

-E-

Thank you both. That covers the how but not the what. What details are you including? With regards to markings (0ther than serial number/maker/model) are you just listing, defining (proof, out of service etc) or photographing? I know it seems like a really simple question but I am just curious on what people are logging and how they lay out their logs.

The BATF&E offered a template for the information they required C&R licensees maintain in a bound book. It includes action type, make, model, caliber, serial number, country of manufacture, date of purchase, purchased from info, and disposition if sold.

My crude system is to keep two logs. One is in my computer's document file , the other in my pictures.
Document list is split into long arms and handguns. Arms are listed alphabetically (Arisaka), model (Type 99), serial # (xxxxx), caliber (7.7 X 58mm Jap), manufacturer (Tokyo/Kogyo Arsenal), series (30), and mfg date (c. 1941). Then details about the particular arm ( All matching #'s, Mum X-ed out, repro sling, Type 30 bayonet..). As my research gets refined, I will add details such as production numbers and such. From time to time, I'll print out a hard copy of the list for the safe.
Picture files are basic at first, then upgraded as time allows and particular details more important. The pics go on back up periodically.
Pretty simple and flexible for updates.

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Originally Posted by Mayhem

That covers the how but not the what.

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I just have basic details of identification.

I use an Excell Worksheet. Headers include:

Model, Photos (whether I have photos or not), Bolt tag (if the bolt is separated from the rifle for storage), Location (where it is physically located, I have two safes, three storage crates, a wall mounted rack and two ceiling racks along with several handgun stashes), Caliber, Type (handgun, pistol, rifle, trainer, shotgun), Action Type, Manufacturer, Country of Origin, Serial Number, Date, Type Sights, Other Acessories, Markings, Bayonet Type, Paid (amount I paid for it), Value (current estimate of value), Bayonet (cost paid), Additional Items or Information (Holsters, scabbards, extra magazines, trade information, basically a catchall for anything), Place Purchased, Date Purchased.

Headers have expanded over the years which is nice with Excell. You can also sort them however you want. I normally keep mine on Country of Origin which to me means the nation that used it, not the nation that made it. For example, I have an FN 1922 made in Belgium and a Radom Vis 35 made in Poland under Germany. The vast majority of arms are made in the same country as used, Germany is the biggest exception with quite a few made outside of Germany. The UK has a few and the Commonwealth is complicated. With the Commonweath, if it has Canadian, NZ, Indian markings, it's under that country rather than say the UK if that's where is was made.

Photos are kept in a separate folder.

The NRA publishes a pretty good hard covered log book with spaces for descriptions of markings, prices paid, name of seller, date and price of sale etc. I have one somewhere in the archives and will try to find it.

My only issue with a paper log book is that they can be damaged or destroyed.

My community has had two catastrophic floods in 1996 and again in 2007. I was unaffected, but I saw a lot of family history in the form of photos and paper records at other homes get tossed in the refuse pile after the water receded. I have nothing against a physical paper record, but in this day and age of 2023, I think it wise to also have an electronic back-up. Just my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Nehalem Man

My only issue with a paper log book is that they can be damaged or destroyed.

My community has had two catastrophic floods in 1996 and again in 2007. I was unaffected, but I saw a lot of family history in the form of photos and paper records at other homes get tossed in the refuse pile after the water receded. I have nothing against a physical paper record, but in this day and age of 2023, I think it wise to also have an electronic back-up. Just my opinion.

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The problem is if you bought any of your firearms with a C&R license then a paper copy is mandatory.

Let's mix things up a little.
Take out your cell phone and take pics of your weapon. Every area of interest. Serial number, who made it, any special marks, etc. NOW print the pics. Then hole punch and put into a binder about the weapon. Add to the binder a page about who you bought from and price and any other details. Now take a pic of the page you wrote on. Download the everything into your computer. You now have a written, printed copy and a copy of everything on your computer. Now make an electronic copy of everything and store in a special place, NOT near your weapon/weapons. Might also want to include dates bought and sold and current value for others if something happens to you.
Lots of good ideas in this thread. If need be, look up what a gun shop owner is required to do and ADD from there,

That said ---- DO IT!! Most of us do NOT have a current complete listing of our stuff, some do. Find and choose a system and go for it.

Later 42rocker

I also use an Excel spreadsheet, and 3" ring binders with plastic insert holders for all information I come across over time.

My system precisely. Sans purchase date (should have thought of that). I use a link to the photos which it sounds you do as well. Don't forget the dreaded TOTAL INVESTMENT TOTAL at the amount paid column.
I also include a Willed to Column in hopes the new stewards will enjoy them as much as I.

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Originally Posted by Sapper740

The problem is if you bought any of your firearms with a C&R license then a paper copy is mandatory.

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I didn't say not to do a paper log, just a suggestion to back it up electronically.

"I have nothing against a physical paper record, but in this day and age of 2023, I think it wise to also have an electronic back-up."

-E-

Thank you to all that have replied. I have seen the hard copy books but I want the flexibility of an electronic record, particularly with regards to being able to edit info as others have mentioned. I also don't want to be locked in to using a layout or fields that I don't need. More food for thought!

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Originally Posted by Sapper740

The problem is if you bought any of your firearms with a C&R license then a paper copy is mandatory.

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I do my best to keep mine accurate and up to date, but I also purposely let my license lapse. As soon as it does, I can destroy those records. I then apply for my license again. It doesn't cost any extra, and I have about two months every three years where I don't have a license. But my liability for accurate C&R records only goes back to the start of my most recent license.