Back when I was in retail, working at a gun counter, we used to have “Personal Firearms Record” pamphlets available for people to pick up. These were provided by the ATF (I know…), and they served as a way for people to log their firearms collection. On the front, they had this quote: “A stolen gun threatens everyone.” Always looking out for us, right?
But why do people fill these out and track their collection? Maybe for insurance purposes or to keep track of what they own. It could also be for beneficiaries, so there’s a detailed record of a collection. I did this years ago, but not on a paper pamphlet—I just created an Excel sheet. I bet many people have done the same.
Honestly, maintaining some kind of database, whether digital or on paper, isn’t a bad idea. Even if you only own a few firearms. Having that information readily available in the event of theft, fire, or death can be helpful to everyone involved.
What if you are someone with a large collection, exceeding well over 100 firearms? Do you want that to become a burden after you are gone? No, at least, I don’t. Having a log with information, photos, value, and more will be helpful.
As I mentioned, you have options: physical pamphlets, an Excel file, or even a note on your phone. But they all have limitations and don’t include all the features I need.
Luckily, there are firearm enthusiasts in the world who have come up with solutions. One is from my friend Shawn Herrin, a YouTuber, podcaster, and web developer. He is also the owner of Firearms Radio Network, a hub for pro-2A podcasts and news channels. Let’s talk about his latest effort, Pew Locker.
A PROGRAM FOR GUN COLLECTORS
I talked with Shawn about Pew Locker and exchanged a handful of emails to better understand the value this program offers. Really, he looked at three reasons why people needed something like this.
First, asset vulnerability. Basically, people are tracking collections on messy spreadsheets and paper logs. While this sounds good in practice, they are not overly organized, can be easily lost or deleted, and cannot be accessed from anywhere.
Secondly, which I already alluded to, is the “Legacy Void,” as Shawn calls it. Families are left with hardware they don’t understand and assets they undersell. People, especially those you leave behind, shouldn’t be left with a burden. Having information organized and easily accessible will help as families transition.
And thirdly, privacy risks. With any program, people fear registries and data mining. We don’t want a Russian bot accessing our information.
Pew Locker brings all of these pieces together into what founder Shawn describes as a “Command Center” for prepared citizens.
The platform is purpose-built for shooters, with tools designed to organize firearms, NFA items, tax stamps, and even ballistic data in one place. It’s also mobile-first, meaning your entire armory can be managed from virtually any device. Just as important, Pew Locker uses a zero-knowledge architecture, so your data stays yours and you keep the keys.
In simplistic terms, Pew Locker acts as a comprehensive inventory system for an entire collection. The platform supports virtually every type of firearm—from pistols and rifles to shotguns, NFA items, and even antiques—while also tracking ammunition inventory by caliber and brand so users can keep an eye on round counts and overall supply.
High-value accessories are included as well, cataloging items that traditional policies often overlook, such as optics, weapon lights, night vision, and suppressors. All of it feeds into a real-time dashboard that displays the total value of the collection, giving members a clear picture of what their armory is actually worth—and whether your current insurance coverage (if you have one) truly matches that value.
SECURED INFORMATION
Security and privacy are at the center of Pew Locker’s design. The platform uses sodium-authenticated encryption with 256-bit keys to protect user data and ensure its integrity. Meaning if a record is ever tampered with, the system instantly detects it.
The master encryption key is also kept separate from the database, so even if data were somehow compromised, it would appear as meaningless noise. Uploaded photos are automatically processed with a metadata scrubber that removes EXIF and GPS information, preventing location data from being stored or shared. (This is all jargon for saying your information is safe.)
For users prioritizing privacy even more, Pew Locker features the Burn Notice Protocol—a built-in fail-safe that lets members instantly and permanently delete their accounts. With a single action, the system erases account data, deletes database records, and cancels billing with no backups kept.
In other words, once it’s gone, it’s truly gone—a feature that strongly appeals to users worried about digital records or potential confiscation lists. Hey, for conspiracy theorists, this isn’t a bad thing to have.
RANGE LOG
Another unique feature is the creation of QR codes for guns. Here’s how Shawn uses them: He prints them out and keeps them with the gun. When he takes the gun to the range, he slips a sticker in the case or bag. Then, when Shawn is at the range, he can scan the sticker, which directly takes him to that gun in Pew Locker so he can enter notes into the range log.
From the range log, he can track targets, rounds shot (which can be deducted automatically from the ammo locker), and issues he may encounter (jams, bad magazines, etc.) while on the range.
WIDOW VIEW
One important feature is Widow View. Widow View allows the account owner to leave instructions, serial numbers, and other details. When the collection is ready, they print a sheet with a QR code. If they unexpectedly pass away, their widow can scan the QR code, which will display images, the title, the serial number, the value, and instructions on what to do with the collection. They should keep that QR code very secure, as it grants full access to their collection. It should be stored safely—either in a safe or with the will, etc.
EASE OF USE
Okay, now that I’ve explained its key features and the why behind it, how easy is it to use? Well, in short, it’s pretty simple and designed to run on any device, whether that be a phone, tablet, or computer. Once again, Shawn is one of us. He knows we aren’t programming nerds like he is, so why would he create anything that wasn’t user-friendly?
The main portal displays your collection’s total value, total rounds logged, and total hardware. All of which are useful to have readily available.
If you’re new, the first step is to click “Add Firearm.” Here, you can include a photo, the make and model, serial number, caliber, type (pistol, SBR, suppressor, etc.), color, and more. There’s also space to add notes and a beneficiary, along with instructions for what to do with the firearm (keep, sell, or gift). Once you’ve added a firearm to your collection, you can further edit by adding accessories, documents (such as Tax Stamps, DOPE card, and receipts), and a range log.
Two other features of note include an emergency access key (this is the Widow View). This is a printable QR code that can grant someone access to your login in an emergency. Keep this in a secure location, such as a fire safe or a security deposit box, with instructions. There’s also an “Export Data (CSV)” tab that will create a CSV file for insurance purposes or to keep a hard copy in a safe or with a will. Another handy feature.
If you want to go even deeper, there’s also an ammo inventory section. That way, you’ll always know what you have available. This is especially helpful when you’re out shopping and come across good sales.
WHAT IT COSTS
While Shawn is a good person and willing to help if you ask, this project requires time and ongoing maintenance to stay operational. Therefore, it’s not free. However, I believe it’s very affordable.
As a user, you have two options: a monthly plan at $7 per month or lifetime access with a one-time payment of $99. For me, having the ability to store, track, and access this information, along with the other features Pew Locker offers, makes the $99 investment worthwhile.
ZOOMING OUT
At the end of the day, properly logging and securing your firearm collection makes sense. It provides you, as the owner, with peace of mind. It makes life much easier for the people who may one day have to deal with that collection. Whether it’s for insurance claims, estate planning, or simply keeping track of what you own, having organized records can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.
Yes, it takes some time to set up—especially if you have a large collection—but that effort is worthwhile. Tools like Pew Locker convert what used to be messy spreadsheets, notebooks, or old pamphlets into a centralized system designed specifically for gun owners. If you’ve been meaning to organize your collection but haven’t found the right method yet, it might be worth taking a closer look.
