Story perspectives

USPS Review Could Mail Handguns Nationwide, Sparks Democratic Opposition

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The proposal would reclassify revolvers and handguns as mailable firearms, under shipping rules as rifles and shotguns.
USPS is reviewing a rule to mail concealable firearms nationwide, open for comment.
Rob Bonta and 22 Democratic attorneys general say rule could bypass checks, aiding felons to obtain handguns.
National Rifle Association calls the proposal a win for owners, saying it would simplify shipping for repairs, sport trips and relocations.

History

Historical Context

After the 1968 Gun Control Act—signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to ban interstate handgun mailings and built on earlier 1934 and 1938 firearms laws—Congress later revised it with the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act. Today Attorney General Rob Bonta proposes reclassifying handguns as rifles, a move the NRA opposes and could overturn the 1968 precedent.

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Story summary

The proposal would reclassify revolvers and handguns as mailable firearms, under shipping rules as rifles and shotguns.
USPS is reviewing a rule to mail concealable firearms nationwide, open for comment.
Rob Bonta and 22 Democratic attorneys general say rule could bypass checks, aiding felons to obtain handguns.
National Rifle Association calls the proposal a win for owners, saying it would simplify shipping for repairs, sport trips and relocations.

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