USPS mulls allowing handguns to be shipped through mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is considering a rule change that would permit the mailing of handguns, including pistols and revolvers, across the country. This proposal, initially filed during the Trump administration, aims to extend mailing privileges currently available for long-barreled rifles and shotguns to concealable firearms. If approved, the rule would allow Americans to send handguns through the mail under certain regulatory conditions. Currently, USPS regulations prohibit the mailing of handguns, citing safety and legal concerns. The proposed change would impose protections similar to those already in place for long guns, such as requiring shipments to be sent via registered mail and only to licensed firearms dealers or individuals with proper authorization. This move could significantly alter how firearms are transferred and distributed, potentially affecting gun owners, dealers, and law enforcement agencies. The proposal has sparked debate over the implications for public safety and gun control enforcement. Advocates argue that allowing handguns to be mailed legally under strict regulations could streamline firearm transfers and support lawful commerce. Critics, however, warn that it may increase the risk of illegal gun trafficking and complicate efforts to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The USPS decision comes amid ongoing national discussions about gun rights and regulations. The outcome of this rule change could influence broader federal policies on firearm transportation and impact how gun laws are enforced at the state and local levels. As the proposal moves through the approval process, stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring its potential effects on public safety and gun ownership rights.