USPS Proposal Could Restore a Key Second Amendment Right

Austin Reville
Apr 11
3 min read

In a move that could significantly impact lawful gun owners across the country, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has proposed a rule change that would finally allow handguns to be shipped through the mail. For nearly a century, that right has effectively been denied. Now, that may be changing—and not by accident.

A Shift Driven by the Constitution

The proposed rule comes after a legal opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which determined that existing restrictions on mailing handguns are unconstitutional.

The USPS is now moving to align with that finding, stating the rule change is necessary to comply with the Second Amendment. If finalized, the change would:

Allow lawful handguns to be mailed under similar rules as rifles and shotguns
Remove long-standing barriers that forced gun owners to rely on third-party dealers
Expand access for law-abiding Americans trying to transport firearms legally

Why This Matters

Right now, the system is stacked against gun owners. For decades USPS has banned handgun shipments for ordinary citizens and private carriers have imposed their own restrictions. Gun owners have been forced to go through licensed dealers—often paying extra fees

That means something as simple as sending your own firearm to yourself—or transporting it safely across state lines—has been unnecessarily complicated. In some cases, even dangerous from a legal standpoint.

The DOJ specifically pointed out scenarios where travelers could be arrested due to conflicting state laws. Shipping a firearm was the only safe option—but effectively impossible. That’s not just inconvenient—that’s a violation of a constitutional right.

The Legal Fight Behind the Scenes

This proposal didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows ongoing legal pressure from Second Amendment groups, including challenges to federal law in cases like Shreve v. USPS. The DOJ ultimately acknowledged what many have argued for years. That you cannot have a meaningful right to keep and bear arms if you cannot acquire, transport, or ship them legally. That principle is finally starting to break through at the federal level.

Not a Complete Victory—Yet

While this proposal is a major step forward, it’s not the end of the fight. As written the rule applies to handguns only. Other NFA-regulated items (like suppressors or short-barreled rifles) remain restricted. Additional regulations and compliance requirements are still expected. Gun rights advocates like Gun Owners of America (GOA) have already made it clear this is progress—but not the finish line.

What Happens Next

The rule is not yet final. First, it must be published in the Federal Register. Second, it must remain open for a public comment period. Third, it will then be reviewed and possibly revised by USPS. Finally, implementation can go into effect. That process could take months—but the direction is clear.

However, as with all published rules from the executive branch, they can be reversed or overturned. This is the constant fight. The next administration could simply write a rule that eliminates this one once it goes through the same process. This is why us gun owners must always be vigilant.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical, we view this as part of a larger trend. Courts are increasingly recognizing overreach and Federal agencies are being forced to correct unconstitutional policies. This is finally chipping away at long-standing restrictions. This isn’t just about mailing firearms.

It’s about restoring the full scope of the Second Amendment—not just owning firearms, but being able to use, transport, and access them without unnecessary government interference. The USPS was established the same year that the 2^nd Amendment was in 1791. This makes restrictions such as this, constitutionally dubious at best.

For years, gun owners have been told “Just follow the law.” But when the law itself blocks lawful behavior, it’s not compliance—it’s control. This USPS proposal is a reminder that bad policy can be reversed. Unconstitutional restrictions can be challenged.And rights—when defended—can be restored. We’ll be watching this closely. Because this isn’t just a regulatory change. It’s a step toward putting the Second Amendment back where it belongs—fully intact.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.