The United States Postal Service is considering a rule change that would permit individuals to mail handguns for the first time in nearly a century. This proposal, advanced under the Trump administration, has drawn sharp opposition from Democratic attorneys general in two dozen states.
Background of the 1927 Law
In 1927, Congress enacted a law prohibiting the USPS from mailing concealable firearms except by licensed dealers, aiming to curb crime. In January, the Department of Justice revisited this law, deeming it unconstitutional and a violation of the Second Amendment. The DOJ argued that as long as Congress operates a parcel service, it cannot refuse to ship constitutionally protected firearms to and from law-abiding citizens, even if they are not licensed manufacturers or dealers.
Proposed Rule Details
Last month, USPS proposed a rule allowing anyone to mail concealable firearms such as pistols and revolvers. Currently, long-barreled rifles and shotguns can be mailed if unloaded and securely packaged, and similar protections would apply to handguns. The USPS is reviewing public comments before finalizing the changes.
Opposition from State Attorneys General
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat running for governor, criticized the rule, stating it undermines state efforts to reduce gun violence. Nevada experienced the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history in 2017, when a gunman killed 60 people in Las Vegas. Following that tragedy, the state enacted background checks for most private gun sales. Ford called the proposal a "slap in the face" to survivors and law enforcement.
Interstate vs. Intrastate Shipments
Under the proposed rules, individuals could sell and ship guns within state lines. For interstate shipments, people could only mail a gun to themselves in another state's care and must open it personally, intended for recreational use like target shooting or hunting. The DOJ argues that varying state laws make it difficult to transport firearms across state lines, making mail the only viable method.
Concerns Raised
Ford and other attorneys general from roughly two dozen states sent a letter urging USPS to withdraw the rule. They argue it would enable people prohibited from possessing guns—such as felons or domestic abusers—to access them, hinder solving gun crimes, and bypass state laws requiring safety courses, background checks, and mental health evaluations. They also contend that law enforcement would need new tracking systems, burdening state budgets.
Private Carrier Policies
Private companies like UPS and FedEx restrict gun shipments to customers with federal firearms licenses, such as importers, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors. FedEx requires shippers with a license to work with an account executive for approval.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Firearm advocacy groups support the change. John Commerford of the NRA called it a victory for law-abiding gun owners, thanking President Trump for allowing shipping under commonsense safety conditions. Conversely, John Feinblatt of Everytown for Gun Safety warned it would turn USPS into a "gun trafficking pipeline" for illegal weapons, stripping law enforcement of tools to prevent and investigate gun crime.
