Way to Organize & Record a Gun Collection in a Book

By Manufacturer

• You could organize the information based on the manufacturer of your guns. For example, you could list the Colt firearms you own, with subsections for handguns and long guns. Useful information to record might include bore size, barrel length, capacity, grip or stock material, and finish. You might also list the date of purchase and the price you paid along with a description of the gun's condition.

Long Guns and Handguns

• You might choose to organize your collection by the different types of firearms it contains. List your long guns in one section and handguns in another. Depending on the number you own, you might create subsections for revolvers and auto-loading handguns. For long guns, subsections could include the type of action such as bolt, lever, single shot, pump, etc. You might include the last date the gun was used and the last time it required any gunsmithing. Another option might be to list long guns by type, as in shotguns and rifles.

Antique Arms

• If your collection includes antique guns such as an original Walker Colt pistol or revolving rifle, you could list these items in a separate section. Assuming you have the information, you could also list their appraised value and the most recent appraisal date. Another useful piece of data to include might be the name of the company that insures your collection as well as the company's phone number, email address and agent's name.

Military Weapons

• If your collection includes military arms, you could create a separate section for them. As an example, If you own an M-1 Garand or M1917, you could list where you acquired them. If the firearm is equipped with a lug, you could also list the bayonet model, length and scabbard type. Again, based upon the size of your collection, you might have multiple sections for your military arms, such as rifles, combat shotguns like the Winchester M97 "trench broom," and handguns like the M1911 Colt or "broom handle" Mauser.

Additional Suggestions

• List each gun on a separate sheet of paper and store the data in a binder. That way, if you acquire additional guns, adding new sheets will be easy. Separate the various sections with index tabs. It might also be useful to include a table of contents as well as a master listing of every gun in your collection. Make at least two copies. Maintain one where the guns are stored and a second in a secure location such as a safe deposit box. If you create your data using a personal computer, be sure to burn a backup copy to CD or flash drive.