From armories and readiness centers to field units and flight lines, military operations depend on gear that's secure, accessible, and deployment-ready. But when storage falls short — when gear is stacked, locked away in bulky containers, or scattered across the armory — it doesn't just waste space. It slows everything down.
That's where better storage comes in. Today's weapons shelf isn't just a steel rack. It's a system engineered for security, tailored to your space, and field-tested by military teams across the country.
In this blog, we'll showcase real-world examples from Air National Guard and Army National Guard facilities that upgraded their weapons storage with flexible, modular solutions. So, whether you're outfitting a new armory or fixing a facility that no longer fits the mission, these weapon shelves are designed to support those who serve.
Colorado Air National Guard: Turning Caskets into Capacity
At Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, the 140th Wing needed to move fast. As the base transitioned to active duty, the Logistics Readiness Squadron found themselves managing a growing inventory of weapons and gear in a space that wasn't built to keep up.
The old setup consisted of gun caskets, stacked three or four high. They were heavy, hard to access, and a nightmare for inventory checks. Each inspection meant dragging everything out, opening each box, and hoping nothing was out of place.
Enter the upgrade: a high-density mobile storage system outfitted with Universal Weapons Racks (UWRs), a solution designed and implemented by Spacesaver.
By mounting UWRs on mobile carriages, the base gained the ability to store over 800 M16s and 140 9mm handguns in a system that was secure, streamlined, and space-saving. Inventory that used to require a dozen people and half a day could now be verified by one person in just a few hours (without compromising security).
It wasn't just a weapons shelf. It was a complete rethink of what readiness could look like.
Georgia National Guard: Gear-Ready from the Ground Up
At the Georgia National Guard's Combined Support Maintenance Shop — North, space was maxed out, and the weapon storage setup wasn't cutting it. The armament repair area, along with Calibration, Optics, and general storage, had gone more than 20 years without a serious upgrade.
With critical gear stacked and workstations overcrowded, the facility needed more than a reset. It needed a storage system designed for how today's Guard works.
Patterson Pope partnered with CSMS personnel to rethink the space from the ground up. Across seven areas and more than 4,200 square feet, the team installed high-density mobile shelving and RaptorRAC® shelving from Spacesaver: A tough, adaptable system ideal for securing everything from small arms to heavy equipment.
Lockable Freestyle lockers and custom-built carts gave the armament crew dedicated space for sensitive gear, while heavy-duty Rousseau workstations and mini-racking supported day-to-day operations.
The benefits were immediate, creating a more organized, efficient, and secure storage environment where weapons, optics, and tactical gear finally had a place of their own.
"With all this extra storage space, I can really envision us never running out of space," said Chief Warrant Officer II Drew Roberts. Better still, the new system empowered teams to take more ownership of their workspace and their mission.
What Goes Into a Weapons Shelf System
Not all weapon shelves are created equal. That's why the Universal Weapons Rack (UWR) and Mini-Universal Weapons Rack (Mini-UWR) are built to handle the shifting demands of military operations, covering everything from armories to mobile deployments.
Whether you're working with a wall-mounted rack in a compact security room or a freestanding system on a mobile carriage, these racks bring serious flexibility to the field. Mounting options include:
- Freestanding setups for standalone storage
- Wall-mounted racks to keep floor space clear
- Mobile carriage integration for high-density solutions that move on command
And their internals are just as adaptable as their bases. UWR and Mini-UWR systems support a full array of weapon types and loadouts, with configurable add-ons like:
- Pistol bins and stock cups
- Barrel supports and optic trays
- Secure cradles for everything from M4s and M240Bs to 9mm pistols
Need height options? Racks come in standard 76" and 84" configurations, giving you the vertical real estate you need, without sacrificing accessibility.
Every detail is built for performance, including the finish. An antimicrobial powder coat adds durability and protection, resisting wear and helping maintain cleanliness in high-contact environments.
Make Space Work Harder with Mobile Weapons Shelving
When weapons storage needs outgrow your footprint, it's time to get strategic. That's where high-density mobile systems come in.
By placing UWR and Mini-UWR racks on mobile carriages, you can eliminate fixed aisles and reclaim up to 50% more space, all without compromising security. With guided rails and manual or powered access, these systems make it possible to store hundreds of firearms and accessories in a compact, easy-to-navigate layout.
In short, mobile weapons shelving:
- Keeps gear secure and accessible
- Simplifies visual inventory and tracking
- Helps consolidate storage for better oversight
At Patterson Pope, we work hand-in-hand with military facilities and architects to plan and engineer every system to the letter. From floor load calculations to aisle spacing, mobile integration makes every square foot count.
The Right Weapons Shelf System Makes All the Difference
Weapons storage isn't about locking gear away. It's about having the right system to keep your teams ready, responsive, and in control. Whether you're outfitting a new readiness center or updating a decades-old support facility, the right weapons shelf solution can change everything.
From the 140th Wing's overhaul at Buckley Air Force Base to Georgia's CSMS facility transformation, modern military operations are demanding more — more organization, more security, and more efficiency. With modular systems like the UWR and Mini-UWR, plus the option to scale storage with high-density mobile carriages, there's no reason to settle for less.
If your base needs to rethink its weapons storage, we're ready to help. Let's build a system that's secure, adaptable, and ready for anything.
