The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is considering a proposal that would allow handguns to be mailed, marking a significant change in policy for the first time in nearly a century.
This proposed rule has sparked opposition from a coalition of 22 Democratic attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta. In a comment letter submitted this week, the attorneys general argued that the USPS lacks the authority to override a 1927 federal law that prohibits mailing concealable firearms, except by licensed dealers.
The controversy stems from a decision by the Trump Administration in January 2026 to stop defending the federal law—18 U.S.C. § 1715—against a constitutional challenge filed by gun rights groups. Instead, the administration issued an opinion declaring the statute unconstitutional. Bonta’s office criticized the move, stating, “This irresponsible loophole blatantly disregards public safety.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has argued that the 1927 law is unconstitutional and that mailing firearms is often the only viable method of transportation for lawful gun owners. The proposed rule would allow mailing handguns with similar protections to those for long-barreled rifles and shotguns, which must be unloaded and securely packaged.
Critics, including John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, have expressed concerns that the rule could turn the USPS into a “gun trafficking pipeline” for illegal weapons. Conversely, supporters like John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, view the rule as a victory for gun owners.
Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx currently restrict gun shipments to customers with federal firearms licenses. The USPS proposal is under review following the public comment period that ended May 4.
Recent Comments