I do a lot of inventories that include firearms and firearm collections. I take individual photos of each and if possible, a close up of the serial number. The minimum information I put in the documentation is the make, model, caliber, serial number and if it is blued, stainless, nickel or other finish. If any of this info is not shown on the gun and I don't know it (I'm a certified NRA and Law Enforcement firearms instructor and range safety officer), I ask the owner. Since registration is illegal here in Nevada (except Las Vegas Clark County where they have communist gun laws that pre-date state law), the only other place this info can be found (no finish color) is on the BATF form 1173 (yellow form) which is ONLY filled out when the firearm/s are purchased from a licensed dealer and they won't show those form to anyone except when being inspected by the BATF, or by court order.
Most definitely make sure the gun is unloaded before handling it. I have the owner unload it (pointing in a safe direction) before handing it to me, then I check to be sure it is unloaded which is good, safe and proper gun handling and prevents negligent discharges. If they don't unload it, or don't know how, I unload it or show them how.
I recommend everyone take a gun safety class from the NRA. As professionals, we need to be able to handle firearms safely while doing our inventories.
WARNING: If you and your client do not know how to unload the firearm, be careful. Do NOT place your finger anywhere near the trigger. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even when you have verified it as being unloaded!
I have had only one experience with firearms on an inventory. In that case, they were stored in a locked gun cabinet with a glass front.
I took photos of the guns in the cabinet and then had them removed. I took photos of each one and recorded the make, model. serial number and calider of each one. Having the owner there made it possible to assure that the details were correct.
Yes, I made sure that the guns were not loaded.
I think it is important to get all of the details for each weapon. It goes to the basic idea that if they were stolen, the owner has all of the information to provide to the police for identification. The police may hahve this information in most states because of the laws requiring registration of firearms.
I hope this helps you.
George
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George A. Childs Owner
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc. 24 Stockton Dr. New Castle, De. 19702
Firearms what is your policy.Do you identify make, model, caliber and serial number?Ive looked at a few old handgus and rifles and sometimes its difficult to determine the caliber. How important is it to determine the caliber
Do you require these items to be out of teh case and unloaded?
