WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is reviewing its long-standing ban on shipping handguns through the mail, a policy shift that would overturn regulations dating back to the 1968 Gun Control Act. This change follows sustained pressure from gun rights organizations and firearm manufacturers seeking expanded sales avenues.
The USPS decision would allow licensed dealers to use postal services for handgun shipments, a service currently handled by private carriers like FedEx and UPS.
Gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America, have invested heavily in lobbying efforts for years. In the 2024 election cycle alone, gun rights organizations reported over $15 million in federal lobbying expenditures. These funds targeted easing restrictions on firearm sales and distribution, building political capital with key policymakers.
The USPS Board of Governors, appointed by President Trump, directs agency policy, reflecting an administration generally aligned with expanding gun access and favorable to the gun lobby's objectives.
For firearm manufacturers such as Sturm Ruger and Smith & Wesson, this policy offers a financial advantage. Private carriers often charge higher fees for firearm transport and impose stricter internal compliance measures, adding to operational costs. Opening the postal system provides a cheaper, more ubiquitous distribution network, potentially reducing logistics expenses by millions of dollars annually for the industry.
The change would also simplify logistics for smaller, independent firearm retailers, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to private carrier hubs. Handgun sales in the United States reached 2.8 million units in 2023, according to industry estimates, representing a market valued at over $2 billion. A more efficient shipping mechanism could further stimulate this market by broadening consumer access and lowering retail prices.
The proposed rule faces immediate opposition from gun control advocates and several Democratic lawmakers. These groups argue the change could make handguns more accessible and harder to track, raising public safety concerns. Political analysts expect the administration to prioritize industry and Second Amendment interests, given the lobbying expenditures and the composition of the USPS Board.
