The United States Postal Service is reviewing a proposal to allow law-abiding citizens to ship handguns through the U.S. mail.
This move would reverse a long-standing restriction on the transport of small arms, potentially altering how firearms are moved across state lines. The proposal is backed by the U.S. Justice Department under the Trump administration.
The current ban on mailing handguns has been in place since 1927 [1]. If the rule is implemented, mailing handguns would be permitted for the first time in nearly 100 years [2].
The Justice Department said the patchwork of state gun laws creates difficulties for lawful activities. These activities include target shooting, hunting, and self-defense when conducted across state lines. The department said the 1927 restriction may violate constitutional protections.
Under the proposed rule, the USPS would establish guidelines for how these firearms are packaged and shipped to ensure safety and legality. The shift focuses on providing a legal channel for citizens to transport weapons without navigating the conflicting regulations of different state jurisdictions.
Critics of the proposal said that easing restrictions on firearm transport could increase the risk of illegal trafficking. However, the Justice Department said the focus is on facilitating the rights of law-abiding owners who currently face legal hurdles when traveling between states.
“The ban on mailing handguns has been in place since 1927”
This proposal represents a significant shift in federal postal policy, moving toward a broader interpretation of Second Amendment rights by removing a century-old administrative barrier. By attempting to standardize the transport of handguns, the federal government seeks to override the logistical friction caused by varying state-level firearm laws, though it may face challenges regarding the enforcement of those same state laws once the weapons arrive.
