[Ed.
Note: As of September 2016, Guntracker is out of business, and
their web site is now defunct. We have left this article
in-place for reference only. - Boge Quinn]
I generally don't
get too exited over software, or anything having to do with
computers. Computers are a necessary evil in my little world; a
source of constant aggravation, due almost entirely to my lack
of computer skills. I would much rather spend my time
shooting or tuning a new gun, or loading ammo for an old
favorite. Most things having to do with computers are, to me,
exceedingly boring. I use the beast to write my articles, then
send the article and photos to my brother, Boge, and he does the
magic to get them to appear on our website. I have no idea how,
but he does it.
All this is to
explain how underwhelmed I was when I received this particular
CD-ROM in the mail. After setting it aside for a few days, I
looked more carefully at the package. The title "Guntracker"
piqued my interest, so I decided to see if I could figure out
how to make it run without calling on Boge to help me.
I stuck the CD into
the little sliding drawer on the computer, and then just
followed the instructions on the screen. It was simple. Who
needs Boge? [Ed. Note: I hear that all the time! - Boge]
What I discovered
after playing with the program for about a minute was that this
thing could be useful! The Guntracker program contains the
complete "Blue Book of Gun Values" by S.P.
Fjestad. This information is the best and most quoted gun
pricing guide available. Published and updated yearly, the Blue
Book is usually pretty accurate in keeping up with gun values.
While sometimes regional prices will vary from the data in the
book, it is a valuable tool in assessing the gun market on a
nation-wide basis.
The main purpose of
the Guntracker program is, however, easily keeping track of a
shooter's or collector's gun inventory. I have always tried,
with limited success, to keep track of my ever-changing stock of
guns by writing down serial numbers on paper and storing the
paper in a drawer somewhere. The problem with that system is
that it ain't much of a system, and does not stay up-to-date on
inventory or value.
I have often
thought that in case of a loss, either by fire or theft, I just
don't have all the information needed to even start to file an
insurance claim. Also, if I up and die, my wife has no idea of
the value of my guns, or even what they are. She has no clue
that an old Ruger sixgun is worth much more than a
bright, shining new one. Her new boyfriend might trade off my Dave
Clements Custom .44 Special for something worthless, like a
computer.
After messing
around with the Guntracker program awhile, I discovered the
really unique feature that makes this program more valuable than
just a list of guns. The Guntracker has a feature that allows
you to download an updated version yearly, that will make
changes automatically to the listed gun values in your
inventory. You can, however, override this feature on any or all
guns listed if you so choose, and just obtain the updated Blue
Book. The download feature can save lots of time in constantly
updating your gun values as inflation and collector interest
changes the values on some firearms dramatically.
Another feature of
the Guntracker that is really nice is the ability to easily
adjust the value of a firearm in your collection by listing
special features such as scope sights or valuable custom work.
There is a screen for just this purpose each time you enter a
firearm into the database.
The Guntracker
keeps track of details such as serial number, price paid,
current value, special features, barrel length, caliber, etc.
All information can be accessed individually, by
manufacturer, gun type, or all together in printable summaries
of the entire collection.
The information is
easily entered, even for someone with limited computer
knowledge. It took me about two minutes per gun, including
entering a photo, to completely list my collection. The photo
feature is very important in the event that someone besides
yourself must identify your guns. It is easy to place a clear
digital photo along with the other data on each firearm.
The entire
database, including photos, can be downloaded to a disk or
printed on paper to be stored in a safe or bank lockbox, and the
process is amazingly simple. Click on a couple of screens and
hit the print button; it's that easy.
After using
Guntracker for just a couple of days, I can say that this could
be one of the most important and valuable tools for any gun owner.
This is just the program that I have needed for years to keep
track of a constantly changing rack of firearms. Even for
someone with just a couple of guns, the information stored on
the Guntracker program could mean a great difference to you in
the event of a loss, and prove to be an invaluable aid to your
heirs in the inevitable event of your death. Do you really want
your brother-in-law determining the value of your guns after
you're gone? How about your old buddy down the road, or the
"helpful" guy at the gun shop? I didn't think so. For
the price of only $34.95, you can save yourself or your family
many times that amount by keeping an accurate inventory and
value on your guns.
You can find out
more about Guntracker on their website: www.guntracker.com
[Ed. Note: As of September 2016, Guntracker is out of
business, the link is now defunct.].
If you own guns,
even just a couple of guns, I suggest strongly that you get
Guntracker today. After trying it out, I won't ever be without
it.
Jeff Quinn
[Ed. Note:
Guntracker requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later to
be installed on your computer in order to function. The latest
version of Guntracker will not install without Internet
Explorer. Internet Explorer does NOT have to be configured as
your default browser, however, so you Netscape guys needn't
worry! - Boge Quinn]
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