CHALLENGER INSIGHTS Vol. 22:
Firearm Storage, Part 2: Individual Weapons
“How are firearms accessed?” As we discussed in the last Challenger Insight, this is a good opening question when you’re trying to design a firearms storage system for an agency. If the customer says the firearms are stored and accessed by individuals, we have to probe and understand if individual compartments are necessary or if the firearms may be stored in a group, such as inside a locker. We also need to determine how urgently the firearms may need to be accessed. The urgency for access will guide us to the best lock solution.
Let’s look at how 3 different storage options — UWRs, Gun Lockers, and modified FreeStyle Lockers— can solve different individual weapons storage needs.
Universal™ Weapons Rack
If weapons are able to be stored in a group rather than in individual compartments, the Universal Weapons Rack (UWR®) is a smart choice. The Universal Weapons Rack provides a lot of accessories and configurations for a variety of firearms and comes in various widths and heights. Many agencies use open cabinets to house their individual weapons, but depending on the type of weapon being stored, an open cabinet often leads to damaged or misplaced optics and firearms. This is a perfect case where a UWR would be preferable.
The UWR also provides the ability to transport weapons easily and safely. If we work with an agency that routinely transports their firearms, the UWR is designed for that type of application.
Modified FreeStyle® Lockers
Freestyle is a great option for smaller departments, branch or district offices, or range locations where multiple types of long guns, pistols, tasers, and other gear require securing. FreeStyle is also a great firearm storage solution for fast response teams in airports, courthouses, and other public buildings because it’s secure, compact, and somewhat discreet.
Freestyle is a wardrobe-type locker that has military-quality weapons storage options. The lockers have a universal base option for long guns along with rails that fit within the locker. Don’t forget the heavy duty shelf, which allows ammunition and accessories to be stored in a Freestyle, right alongside their accompanying weapons. For peace of mind and added security, FreeStyle Lockers have a wide array of lock options – from the traditional padlocks or combination locks, to Medeco key, tube lock, Digilock, and Zephyr Lock.
Gun Lockers and Boxes
When customers require individual compartments for areas such as Sally Ports or lobby areas, Spacesaver has a wide array of gun lockers that may be mounted to a wall or floor mounted. I often get questions about the difference between surface-mount vs recessed-wall-mounted lockers. Surface-mount is anchored to the wall, whereas the recessed lockers are set back into the wall cavity. Gun lockers can work with combination, keyed, Medeco key, Digilock®, and Zephyr lock options. The accessibility and urgency questions should lead you to the right type of lock on the gun lockers.
Spacesaver also offers a more compact, secure gun box or locker that fits into a patrol vehicle for specific applications.
There is No Small Sale
I urge you not to dismiss firearm opportunities as small sales. A good friend once told me there is no small sale; some sales are bigger than others. The public safety industry is an interconnected network, and the firearm storage lead may connect you to other opportunities or referrals. I recently spoke to an officer who was so impressed by the quality of the UWR he bought and the thorough nature of the work that when he needed solutions for his new building, he reached out to Spacesaver. It’s important we not take a weapons storage application for granted. It could be the gateway into a major project down the road.
P.S. Have you checked out our recent webinar, “Beyond an Accreditation: Ideas for Tackling Your Evidence Storage”?
If not, you can watch it here and feel free to pass along to your contacts.