armories

An armory is a secured facility used to store, issue, and maintain weapons and related equipment for an organization such as a military unit, police force, or security service. Armories typically house firearms, ammunition, armor, protective gear, maintenance tools, and spare parts, along with record-keeping and communication systems that track inventory and issue.

Armories are designed to ensure safety and security, featuring controlled access, surveillance, secure vaults or locked racks, climate control, and robust fire suppression. Access is limited to authorized personnel, and inventories are regularly audited to prevent loss or theft. In military usage, armories function as a central supply point within a base or fort, distributing weapons and equipment to units as needed, and serving as a depot for repairs and testing.

There are different types: military armories, police or municipal armories, and ceremonial or historic armories that may serve as museums or training centers. Some facilities combine armory duties with maintenance workshops and armor or ordnance storage. The term armory is sometimes used interchangeably with arsenal, though in many contexts an arsenal emphasizes manufacturing or large-scale supply rather than storage and issue.

Historically, armories were located within fortifications or castles and evolved into specialized logistics facilities with standardized inventories. Today, armories often integrate electronic inventory management, barcode or RFID tracking, and security protocols to manage weapons in compliance with national laws and military regulations.