This might be getting too cumbersome but maybe you could put all the dimensions in separate columns. Length, width, height and barrel length in different columns then a guy could sort by any of those. Say I want something with a barrel length under 2 inches. Easy. Likewise if I'm looking for concealed carry I might sort on height or length or maybe by weight.
I'm doing that don't worry.
Currently I have three spreadsheets one each for full size, compact, and sub-compact. However, I'm thinking about rearranging them by their barrel lengths or overall lengths. Each gun has a column for brand, model, caliber, capacity, weight, barrel length, length, width, height, frame material, slide material, and MSRP. Hopefully thats enough. I believe thats what you're referring to, if not please correct me.
Then I have to say that you're not really as much of a man of numbers and logistics as you claimed in your opening post, nor are you as interested in making this list useful as you claimed. It doesn't matter how many or how few items fall into a particular category. If you have even one sample that DOESN'T fit the categories you have established, you then have to cram the odd examples into a category they don't fit in. Once you do that, your list is useless.
What's the point of compiling all this information if you know almost from the start that the basic organization of the data is flawed?
I've realized now that now every gun can fall into three defined categories. That was the error in my ways and now that I see that I'm thinking about making a sheet for each length (1", 2", 3" ,4", 5", 6", etc.) However, now I must propose a question: which one would be more useful, sorting it by overall length or just barrel length?
"What's the point of compiling all this information ..."
Yeah, what's the point?
I have a gun list with manufacturer, serial number, caliber, brief description & value that I used Excel for in case of tragedy or loss, but that's it.
Originally it was just for my amusement, but now I'm thinking about posting it here if I feel confident enough with it. It might be able to help people looking for a new handgun. For instance, say someone wants one that is no longer than 7" and shoots .45 ACP. This list should help them find one. Well, at least that's how I see it as of right now.
I would add a size category for 1911 Commander size guns. Guns with full size grips and 4-4 1/2" barrels. "Full size carry" would work.
SAR Arms
B6PC
Compact
Frame: polymer
Slide: steel
Capacity: 13+1
Barrel length: 3.8 inches
OAL: 7.5 inches
Width: 2.5 inches
Height: 5.7 inches
Weight:1.6 lbs.
MSRP: $393.00
Thank you for the addition and I'm definitely working on making more definitive groups.
That's not what you wrote in post #15:
Originally it was just for my enjoyment, and that's what I planned for it to be. However, if I feel confident enough with it I might release it. It honestly, just depends.