We're Suing USPS to End a 100-Year Gun Ban

Published on October 17, 2025
Duration: 4:59

This video from Gun Owners of America (GOA) details their lawsuit challenging the 1927 federal law prohibiting private citizens from mailing handguns via USPS. The law, 18 USC 1715, exempts FFL holders, creating a disparity. GOA argues this ban is unconstitutional and harms law-abiding citizens, citing historical context and a specific plaintiff's inability to gift a handgun to her father.

Quick Summary

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is suing the USPS to end the 1927 federal law (18 USC 1715) that prohibits private citizens from mailing handguns. This ban, which exempts FFL holders, is argued to be unconstitutional and infringes on Second Amendment rights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Suing USPS Over Handgun Ban
  2. 00:37The 1927 USPS Handgun Ban Explained (18 USC 1715)
  3. 01:04FFL Exemption vs. Private Citizen Ban
  4. 01:22Historical Context: Prohibition and Crime Wave
  5. 01:37House Debates: Representative Miller's Arguments
  6. 02:26Opponent's View: Congressman Blandon's Common Sense
  7. 02:48Impact of the Ban and Subsequent Gun Laws
  8. 03:22Potential Benefits if GOA Wins the Case
  9. 04:00The Lawsuit: Plaintiff and Court Filing
  10. 04:21Argument: Violation of the Second Amendment
  11. 04:39Conclusion: Request for Injunction

Frequently Asked Questions

What federal law prohibits private citizens from mailing handguns?

The federal law that prohibits private citizens from mailing handguns via the US Postal Service (USPS) is 18 USC section 1715. This law, enacted in 1927, classifies pistols, revolvers, and other concealable firearms as non-mailable.

Who is exempt from the USPS handgun mailing ban?

Individuals who hold federal firearms licenses (FFLs) are exempt from the 1927 ban on mailing handguns. This means that while private citizens cannot ship handguns through USPS, licensed dealers and manufacturers can.

Why is Gun Owners of America (GOA) suing the USPS?

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is suing the USPS to challenge the constitutionality of the nearly 100-year-old federal law that prohibits private citizens from mailing handguns. GOA argues the ban infringes on Second Amendment rights.

What are the potential consequences if GOA wins their lawsuit against USPS?

If GOA wins, law-abiding citizens could potentially mail their handguns ahead of trips, avoiding checked baggage, and conduct intrastate sales of handguns without needing face-to-face transactions, provided state laws are followed.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Owners of America

View all →