Gun Database

[Richard_]

I decided to create a gun database over the weekend, I used Access 2010. It's basically a barebones structure right now, but could evolve into something more complex have not decided which way I’m going to go. I posted a few screen shots and was hoping for some input critical or not.

Thanks
Richard

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

I have built the same thing essentially in excel but could easily have setup in access. One of the things I'm discovering is that Ive added several fields since I originally set up the model. Some fields that I have in addition to the ones you've created include gun type (revolver, semiauto, single shot), handgun/rifle/shotgun, barrel length, frame type, finish type, type of sights since they sometimes vary, type of stocks, all price factors such as sales price, transfer fee's, shipping, total cost, estimated value if very different from purchase price, condition, if it includes original box, paperwork, if limited production an estimate of # produced.

I think a good mindset would be to create the fields based on the hypothetical scenario that you got hit by a bus and someone has to understand what you have. What questions would a prospective buyer ask that describes the gun, etc

I like excels sorting, filtering, grouping and pivot table functionality but I do like the ease in which you can attach photographs in your template. Was it difficult to assign one or more photographs to each entry?
IC

 

[Black_Sheep]

I used Excel, here's a screen capture of the format...

 

[MP22]

Great idea....thanks for sharing.

 

[Richard_]

Was it difficult to assign one or more photographs to each entry?

No they are just fields like any other, so if you want to show two guns on the same record you could. The point about Access is that every record is unique, that’s the power of Access verses Excel. Think of it like a bucket full of unique records, Access has the ability to reach into the bucket and pull out a single record then display that record(s) instantly. IMHO Excel is probably a better application for guns because people for the most part do not own thousands of gun.

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

BS,

I like that layout. I see you dedicate a tab for each firearm. Does that organization allow you to sort/group/etc? Or is it more of a static recordkeeping?

 

[Richard_]

I used Excel, here's a screen capture of the format...

Nice to see there are some techie here

 

[SweetMK]

A great addition would be accessories, if the gun is a shooter!

# of brass
# of bullets
# of primers
dies available
Holsters
Scope
Extra grips in possession
Spring kits

I bought most these with a Colt Delta Gold Cup, took the guy a week to remember what he had, but, he gave me what he had after the sale!!

I wonder where all that stuff is now!!??

 

[Black_Sheep]

A great addition would be accessories, if the gun is a shooter!

# of brass
# of bullets
# of primers
dies available
Holsters
Scope
Extra grips in possession
Spring kits

I bought most these with a Colt Delta Gold Cup, took the guy a week to remember what he had, but, he gave me what he had after the sale!!

I wonder where all that stuff is now!!??

I list extra grips, magazines, original boxes, paperwork, optics, etc in the accessories field. My primary objective was to document my firearms for insurance purposes or if something should happen, my wife would have an idea of each guns value. While spare parts, holsters and reloading gear are worth something, they really don't add to a guns value.

For uniformity I have a template saved in the Excel file, it takes only a few minutes to copy the template and create a page for new purchases.

 

[steveno]

I think I would use Excel as I would rather go to the dentist than work with Access

 

[Richard_]

I think I would use Excel as I would rather go to the dentist than work with Access

HA HA that has to be the quote of the day!

 

[gtk]

Would ya share your excel sheet ? (minus real data of course)

 

[H Richard]

I use Excel also, and one field I added is "Current Value", which I try and deep updated about annually. This is for my wife, so if anything happens to me she won't get low-balled by thieves when it comes time to sell the guns off.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Would ya share your excel sheet ? (minus real data of course)

Who are you asking? I am willing to send a copy of the template later tonight if you are interested. Shoot me a pm with your email info.