Can you ship guns through the mail

In the United States, shipping guns through the mail is heavily regulated and subject to specific laws and guidelines. Here's a breakdown:

Federal Law: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is prohibited from shipping firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous articles through the mail, except for certain exceptions. The USPS is governed by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 and the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994.

Exceptions: The USPS is allowed to ship certain types of firearms and ammunition through the mail, but only under specific circumstances:

  1. Firearms dealers: Licensed firearms dealers can ship firearms to other licensed dealers or to individuals who have passed a background check.
  2. Ammunition: The USPS can ship ammunition, but only to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have a valid identification.
  3. Hunting and sporting goods: The USPS can ship hunting and sporting goods, such as bows, arrows, and fishing gear, as long as they are not firearms or ammunition.

Regulations: To ship firearms or ammunition through the mail, you must comply with the following regulations:

  1. Background checks: The recipient must pass a background check before receiving the firearm or ammunition.
  2. Proper packaging: Firearms and ammunition must be properly packaged and labeled to prevent accidental discharge or other safety hazards.
  3. Prohibited items: Certain items, such as fully automatic firearms, short-barreled shotguns, and certain types of ammunition, are prohibited from being shipped through the mail.
  4. State and local laws: You must also comply with state and local laws regarding the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms and ammunition.

Private carriers: Private carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, are not subject to the same regulations as the USPS. However, they may have their own policies and procedures for shipping firearms and ammunition.

In summary: Shipping guns through the mail is heavily regulated and subject to specific laws and guidelines. It's essential to understand the regulations and exceptions before attempting to ship firearms or ammunition through the mail.