GUN: GUN IDENTIFICATION SOFTWARE

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1. Disclaimer, Copyright, and Requirements ....................... 1

2. Installation ................................................... 3

3. Functions

A. Gun Picture Libraries ....................................... 4

B. Parts ...................................................... 4

C. Databases

1. Gun ....................................................... 5
2. Inventory ................................................. 5
3. Dealers ................................................. 6
4. Trademark ................................................. 6

D. Serial Number Lookup ........................................ 6

E. Print ....................................................... 6

F. Help ....................................................... 6

G. Picture Listings ............................................ 7

4. Pontification .................................................. 19

5. Future Enhancements ............................................ 20

6. Support and Testing ............................................ 20



GUN - Gun identification program
Published by Arren-San Software
P.O. Box 836393
Richardson, TX 75083-6393





@ Copyright 1993 Arren-San Software

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or part
in any form. No part of this publication or the included software may be
reprodeced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language, or computer language, in any form, or by
any means electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
otherwise without prior written consent of Arren-San Software


Disclaimer

Arren-San Software makes no representation or warranties with respect
to the contents hereof, and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Arren-San Software disclaims any liability with respect to the purchaser
for the purchaser's actions based on information obtained from this
product. Further, the author shall not be liable even in the event of
notice of any defect in either the actual product or the data upon
which the product is based. Arren-San software reserves the right to
revise this publication, our software, or the data herein, and to make
changes from time to time in the context thereof, without obligation of
Arren-San Software to notify any person of such revisions or changes.


DO NOT PAY ANY SUM OF MONEY ($) BASED ON ANY INFORMATION GIVEN BY
THIS SOFTWARE. GUN DOES NOT DETERMINE VALUE, ONLY APPROXIMATE
CHARACTERISTICS OR PICTORIAL EXAMPLES FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ARREN-SAN
SOFTWARE HAS NOT MADE THIS PRODUCT AS A BASIS FOR PURCHASE OR
INVESTMENT DECISIONS.

DO NOT MAKE ANY LEGAL DECISIONS BASED ON ANY STATUTE DOCUMENTATION
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPETENT LEGAL AUTHORITIES
ON SUCH MATTERS.

DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE AS A TECHNICAL GUIDE FOR OPERATING ANY
WEAPON OF ANY KIND. DO NOT USE ANY TECHNICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANY
RELOADING COMPONENTS AS A BASIS FOR RELOADING DECISIONS.

Trademarks & Copyrights

MS-DOS, Windows by Microsoft Corp.; PCX by ZSoft Corp; GIF by CompuServe
Incorporated ( H & R Block); LaserJet by Hewlett Packard, Inc. Ami Pro
by Lotus Croporation; Ventura Publisher by Xerox Corporation. GDS by
Phase II Electromics.

REQUIREMENTS:

GUN requires a DOS version 3.3 or higher and a VGA monitor / card,
with 640 x 480 resolution. The underpinning of any good picture
application is the viewer. The viewer chosen is GDS, and it is supplied
in zipped form. While the shareware version is being distributed, users
are encouraged to register the product. The package is being
distributed with the express consent of Phase II Electronics and Bob
Holland. The choice to register will have no impact on this product. The
user will have to use PKunzip to unpack all shareware products
included for evaluation. The text editor, tde, is a public domain package,
and in keeping the spirit of such, it is also included in zip format. tde
includes the "C" source, and is used for all textual display functions in
addition to all editing functions. Thank you, Douglas Thompson (Australia)
and Frank Davis.


GUN - What is it and what it can do:

GUN is a stand-alone firearms reference, including text, pictures, and
look-up tables for quick identification. This product currently has 37 GIF
and 20 PCX pictures / diagrams. There is no limitation on the numbers of
pictures that can be stored or manipulated. The picture viewer, GDS, is
limited to 640 X 480 resolution. Please refer to the three GDS document
files under "Texts" for more about Graphics Display System.

GUN has not been written to comply with Microsoft Windows, though GUN
has been tested in the Windows environment. A Windows version will be
available at a later date.

The product is a command bar program, so simply select the desired
function and press . To escape any command, simply hit escape.
The command bar reads as follows:

PICTURES DATABASES SERIAL NUMBERS TEXTS PRINT UTILITIES HELP

Each function is covered in detail below.


INSTALLATION

Insert the disk marked installation and at the floppy drive prompt
type install. A screen will ask for the user to select the picture
libraries desired to be installed. Remember, any pictures can be deleted
at any time, or reinstalled, at the user's discretion. All system,
document, and otherwise required files will be automatically
installed. The required files take about 3 megabytes of hard disk
space. GUN cannot be run from a floppy only system. If the entire
product is chosen, the space requirement is about 5 Mb. The space
required is as follows:


System/Databases 2.8 mb
Pictures 1.4 mb
Knives .4 mb


These amounts are approximate and subject to change, but the
install program will make sure the user's system has enough room
for all the selected data. The program can also be reinstalled at
any time. The installation program will not make any changes to any
other system file, such as AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS.



1. GUNS

This is the viewer module applied to each of the various picture
directories. Separate picture directories are mandatory as searching,
and retrieving picture files from a large file directory takes a long
time. For GDS navigation, please read the GDS documentation under
Texts. All pictures viewed by GUN use GDS. Please note the version used
here is UNREGISTERED, but GDS is being distributed in full accordance
with an agreement with Bob Holland and Phase II Electronics. All
pictures are *.GIF format unless noted. The directory structure is as
follows:

GUN \ PICS - Firearms
GUN \ PATS - Patents
GUN \ KNIVES - Fighting Knives

See the detail picture listing starting on page 7.


Simply move the cursor with the Up / Down arrow keys to the desired
selection and press or the left mouse button. The picture will
display, and stay displayed until is pressed or the right mouse
button is pressed.


3. DATABASES


A. Gun Database

The Gun database will allow the user to enter data about any
Gun or related instrument. Records can be inserted, deleted, edited,
etc. Once the record has been selected, the user can show a picture
tied to the Gun, find another record, browse the enitre database, or
quit the database. The database executable, ldm.exe, and the associated
db files are located in the \\gun\\db subdirectory (more later). The data
record has the following format:

Manufacturer:
Address:
Type:
Model:
Year:
Top Value:
Mid Value:
Low Value:
Picture Path and Name:
Notes: (2 lines)



NOTE: NO VALUATIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SOFTWARE.



The Gun database will be mostly filled with existing data and some
pictures but pictures and or Gun records can be added, limited only by disk
space. When the user wants to add or delete pictures to view, simply
edit the "Pic" field. This is a living, breathing database. It will be as
good as the user makes it by providing the data desired.

While in the existing database, another database can be requested,
while closing the current db. The commands can be accessed by moving the
arrow keys to the desired selection and pressing . To exit the
database, simply choose Quit, or enter q and y for yes at the
prompt. At any time, the database has Help by simply pressing F1. The
database one user keeps can be read and used by anyone using this
software. Utilities also exist to transform files into and out of *.dbf
format (dBase files).


The actual database functions are as follows:

Use database - the program brings you up in git
Use index - default is manufacturer, model, year
Create database - for new databases
Create index - create a new order to sort data records_
Head - first database record
Tail - last database record
Browse - search database forward from the current record
Next - next record
Curr - current record
Prev - previous record
Find - search by sort criteria
Add - add a new record
Edit - change an existing record
Delete - delete an existing record
Show - displays the picture file in the PIC field
Show field names - names of the fields in the database
Show index names - names of the different database indexes
Show index definition - shows how each index sorts the data
Quit



B. Inventory Database


This is the same database manager used for Gun. Sales, purchases,
and current inventory reports can be printed. This database will
collect, sort data, print reports and show pictures.


C. Dealers Database


This function is a dealer database, partially complete with most known
Gun dealers. As with any of the databases, the data can be edited
directly by the user.


D. Manufacturers Database


This function is a manufacturers database, partially complete with most
known gun manufacturers and distributors.



4. SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP


The serial number lookup function will tell the user what year a Gun
is produced. The manufacturers included are as follows:


Browning gun \ lookup \ BrnXX.doc
Colt gun \ lookup \ ColtXXX.doc
Luger gun \ lookup \ Maubroom.doc
Parker Shotguns gun \ lookup \ Parkshot.doc
Smith & Wesson gun \ lookup \ SWXXX.doc
Winchester gun \ lookup \ WinXXXX.doc



If entering the actual serial number, chances are high that
they have been included. Serial prefixes are not required (nor used).
There is no cost-beneficial way to program exact year to serial number
correlations for many manufacturers so discretion must be taken
with all of this feature. Due to cost / benefit restrictions, any number
input greater than the last actual production date defaults to the last
year of manufacture.


DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE AS AN EXCLUSIVE MEANS TO DETERMINE ANY DATE OF
MANUFACTURE.


If the data is incorrect, simply edit the .doc file for that
manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the user to verify and update
the data. This is merely a data engine to process any data residing
in the document file. The data is stored in ascending order so some care
must be exercised. Each prefix category, where applicable MUST have a
last year, delimited by a serial number mgunimum value associated with
it. For example, a field XXXXX in length would list the final year of
production as having a serial number of 99999. See win94.doc as an
example. Also see lookup help for instructions about editing lookup
data.


5. TEXTS

The texts included cover all the operating instructions for each program.
Please note this file is the operating instructions, so no printed manual
is required. However, if you need a hard copy, simply print this file,
\docs\manual.doc. Manuals are also included for the picture viewer and the
text editor. Also included are various documents about firearms statutes,
recalls, and the development / maintenance of the 2nd Amendment.


6. PRINT - Inventory reports


The inventory module has print support for three types of reports about
the inventory database (invent.db) only and for the system defined
sort keys only. Current Inventory, Total Sales, and Total Purchases can
be generated from the print options menu. A report will include data
between input from and to dates, a name and address heading, if input,
and various sort options options. The output will be written to a file
if a file name is input, otherwise the report will be sent directly to
the printer. There is no current plan to add additional report formats
nor print for any additional databases.


7. HELP


All areas of this product have help support. Simply select the help menu
and the appropriate item within the help menu. The database, Gun Data
Manager has a unique help system invoked by pressing F1. All other help
must be selected from the main bar.


PICTURE LISTING


Total GIF (picture) files: 37 [ 36 at 320 x 200, 256 colors]
[ 1 at 640 x 480, 256 colors]
Total PCX (B/W) files: 20 [All at ~370 x ~480, 2 colors]


GUNS - 36 GIF files and 1 library

Pist01.GIF High Standard High Sierra - Note octagonal barrel
Pist02.GIF High Standard Derringer
Pist03.GIF Smith & Wesson
Pist04.GIF Ruger Blackhawk
Pist05.GIF Smith & Wesson
Pist06.GIF Smith & Wesson
Pist07.GIF Browning Hi Power
Pist08.GIF Browning Hi Power
Pist09.GIF Browning Hi Power
Pist10.GIF Walther P.38
Pist12.GIF Walther P.38
Pist13.GIF Smith & Wesson
Pist14.GIF Ruger 22
Pist15.GIF
Pist16.GIF Baby Auto Mag
Pist17.GIF Browning Hi Power
Pist18.GIF MAC-10
Pist19.GIF MAC-10
Pist21.GIF MAC-10
Pist22.GIF MAC-10
Pist23.GIF Luger
Pist24.GIF Luger
Pist25.GIF Smith & Wesson Single Action 6 Shooter
Pist26.GIF High Standard Single Action 6 Shooter
Pist27.GIF Colt Single Action 6 Shooter
Pist28.GIF Harrington & Richardson Single Action 6 Shooter
Pist29.GIF Harrington & Richardson Single Action 6 Shooter - closeup
Pist30.GIF Whitney Wolverine - circa 1958
Pist31.GIF Steyr GB
Pist34.GIF Steyr GB - closeup
Rifl03.GIF Winchester "Buffalo Bill" Commemorative
Shot01.GIF Colt AR-15
Shot03.GIF Ruger "Bull Pup"
Shot06.GIF SPAS

PATENTS - 20 PCX files

Smitha.gif Smith & Wesson 2,380,326
Smithb.gif Smith & Wesson 2,216,022
Smithc.gif Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
Smithd.gif Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
Smithe.gif Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
Smithf.gif Smith & Wesson 1,476,125
Smithg.gif Smith & Wesson 1,436,740
Smithh.gif Smith & Wesson 688,141
Smithi.gif Smith & Wesson 332,416
Smithj.gif Smith & Wesson 243,183
Smithk.gif Smith & Wesson 401,087
Smithl.gif Smith & Wesson 138,047
Smithm.gif Smith & Wesson 116225
Smithn.gif Smith & Wesson 114,374
Smitho.gif Smith & Wesson 78,847
Smithp.gif Smith & Wesson 72949
Smithq.gif Smith & Wesson 79434
Smithr.gif Smith & Wesson 12,648
Smiths.gif Smith & Wesson 10,535
Smithz.gif Smith & Wesson 20,627



Pontification - Ad Nauseum


Over the years, a growing community has become increasingly familiar
with "vintage" American firearms. Toward this end, a plethora of published
media has appeared in paper form extolling the virtues, and particulars of,
said firearms. In conjunction with my brother, Mikie, many firearms have
passed through our hands, and usually with no more tangible proof than a
tattered Polaroid. Details such as color, condition, action, unique
qualities, and what it looked like are by and large forgotten. With larger
dealers and collectors, I suspect this issue is more severe.

I am probably naive in the belief that anyone still cares about the
guns, and not just the money. I cannot honestly tell you that I
do either. My intent is to provide a common platform for the consolidation
and distribution of gun knowlege.

Books are a historical necessity, and text is immortal. But pictures
published in text are a fading commodity. Most gun texts do cover a
mountain of data, and this research must provide a basis on which to
move forward upon. However, the pictures usually black & white, or very
small. Further, printing large, color pictures is expensive for both the
publisher and the consumer. Until now, this was the best possible
solution.

GUN is basically a picture application with no real upper limits. The
application currently has 37 full screen VGA, 256 color pictures
in varying resolutions. Picture qualities will only increase in
resolution and shrink in storage size.

The guts of this idea is in Still Video computer images. This format
has many advantages over traditional photography, mainly that images can
be manipulated (larger, smaller, zoom, etc.), have an indefinite life,
can be transmitted electronically over telephone lines, and printed
through desktop publishing packages. There is no development costs to
generate the pictures, and the hardware is not prohibitively expensive.


The GIF images used in GUN are generated from a Still Video camera,
digitized in a high resolution format, usually 640 x 480 (rows and
columns) and 256 colors. The original files are between 150k and 250k
each. At this rate a 900 picture application could take 150 to 225 mb
of hard disk space ( not to mention the 100-150 floppies to install it),
and most people simply do not have that much hard disk space. GUN
compresses these files into 320 X 200, 256 color which keeps about 85%
of the resolution in a 30k file. GUN allows that any portion of the
pictures can be used or deleted at any time to allow for ever changing
hard disk storage priorities of the user.

Future versions may adopt different picture file formats to acheive
higher resolution with lower storage requirements. In the end, the user
/ consumer must decide how much space to allocate to a Gun
identification software package. The objective of GUN is to fully define
vintage American Guns in an electric format through pictures and
text, while providing a platform for all users to share information.



PLANNED ENHANCEMENTS:

1. Efficient High Resolution pictures - up to 1024 x 768 photo
2. Microsoft Windows version
3. Upgraded Dealer database
4. Complete knife module - database and pictures
5. Complete black powder module - database and pictures
6. Voice mail for software support
7. Bulletin board support for getting pictures, etc.
8. Publishing on a CD-ROM and / or tape back-up


OTHER CURRENT SERVICES:

Manufacturers catalogs
Collection photography and cataloging
Inventory costing and analysis


TESTING: While testing has been performed on a variety of
DOS platforms, and printers, please forward any issues
encountered for the promptest attention.


SUPPORT: Leave a message, and you will be called back, but any
return call must be after CST business hours so leave an
evening number. We will endeavor to be fair about answering
any legitimate questions regarding this software and
addressing any product specific issues, but will not provide
general computer consulting as suport to this product.

Other computing consultation or custom coding services are
available at competitive rates.


Written communication is preferred, so please write to:

Arren-San Software
PO Box 836393
Richardson, Texas 75083-6393
Telephone: (214) 248-8950