Is the USPS gun ban overturned?
Asked by: Preston Labadie | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (8 votes)
Yes, recent federal court rulings, including a key decision in late 2025 and a major DOJ acknowledgment in January 2026, have found the blanket USPS ban on firearms in post offices and related mailing prohibitions unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, though the specific application and ongoing legal landscape are evolving. A Texas federal judge struck down the ban in late 2025, and the Department of Justice subsequently stated it would not appeal earlier rulings, signaling the ban is effectively overturned, though USPS regulations may still exist.
Is the USPS firearm ban unconstitutional?
A nearly 100-year-old federal ban on mailing handguns through the U.S. Postal Service is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced, according to an opinion released Thursday by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Are USPS workers allowed to carry guns?
Except for employees authorized by the chief postal inspector or the inspector general, USPS® employees are prohibited from possessing, carrying, or storing firearms while on duty, either on or off USPS property, and at any time on or within USPS property. See Administrative Support Manual, Section 276.22.
Is the assault weapon ban overturned?
It expired on September 13, 2004, following its sunset provision. Several constitutional challenges were filed against provisions of the ban, but all were rejected by the courts. There have been multiple attempts to renew the ban, but none have succeeded.
Are 80% lowers legal in 2025?
Yes, 80% lowers are generally still legal to buy and build in 2025, as federal law doesn't regulate them until completed, but legality hinges on specific state laws, with states like California imposing strict serialization, registration, and background checks on finished builds, while the Supreme Court's 2025 ruling upheld ATF rules affecting parts kits (especially for pistols) but didn't ban standalone AR lowers, keeping the focus on state-level compliance.
The Post Office Gun Ban Is DEAD (Court Ruling Explained)
Can you get in trouble for owning an 80% lower?
Receiver blanks that do not meet the definition of a "firearm" are not subject to regulation under the Gun Control Act (GCA).
Can you get flagged for buying too many guns?
Yes, buying multiple firearms, especially handguns or certain rifles in a short period, can get you flagged because Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must report these "multiple sales" to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (ATF) for tracking illegal trafficking, though there's no federal limit on ownership, and the ATF looks for patterns like buying many of the same gun to spot potential crime. Specific reporting rules apply to handguns (two or more in 5 business days) and certain rifles in border states, potentially leading to ATF or law enforcement follow-up.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
Can I buy an M4 as a civilian?
Yes, you can legally own an M4 rifle in the US, but there are certain conditions and restrictions. A civilian cannot own a genuine military specification M4 carbine in a select-fire or fully automatic configuration.
What states are AR-15 banned in?
AR-15 style rifles are banned for sale, manufacture, or possession in several states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, plus Washington D.C., though specific regulations vary by state, with some allowing prior purchases. These bans often target "assault weapons" and large-capacity magazines, restricting their purchase and sometimes banning possession outright for new buyers.
Does the USPS have armed agents?
The security part of the Postal Inspection Service's mission means ensuring postal employees, customers, and over 32,000 postal facilities are safe from criminal attack. Our security force of armed, uniformed Postal Police® Officers is assigned to provide physical security and protect critical postal facilities.
Are U.S. post offices federal property?
Congress exercised those powers with the passage of The Post Office Act of 1792, which made the Postal Service a permanent fixture of the Federal Government.
Can postal police carry off duty?
Postal Police personnel's authority to carry a firearm while off duty or in a leave status is not granted by the Postal Service or the Postal Inspection Service. Postal Police personnel may be authorized to carry a firearm while off duty pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C.
Can I carry in the post office now?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a standing policy banning firearms, either openly or concealed on its property, including postal vehicles and parking lots. With some current exceptions for shipping a Rifle or shotgun only.
Can you legally carry a gun in a post office?
Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation, no person while on Postal Service property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, or store the same on Postal Service property, except for official purposes.
Is the post office carry ban unconstitutional?
The Case and the Ruling
On or about late September 2025, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor of the Northern District of Texas held that the government's blanket ban on firearms at ordinary, customer-facing post offices is unconstitutional as applied to the plaintiffs.
Is M4 better than AK-47?
Neither the M4 nor the AK-47 is universally "better"; they excel in different areas, with the M4 offering superior accuracy, customization, and lighter weight for precision at range, while the AK-47 provides unmatched reliability, durability, and simpler maintenance in harsh conditions. The M4's smaller 5.56mm round offers better control, while the AK's larger 7.62mm round delivers more stopping power, making the choice dependent on the combat situation and shooter preference.
What gun will replace the M4?
The M7 rifle, previously designated as XM7 and originally as XM5, is the U.S. Army's adopted variant of the SIG MCX-SPEAR chambered in 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge (.277 Fury), designed by SIG Sauer for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program in 2022 to replace the M4 carbine.
Can you legally own a Barrett 50 cal cost?
With very few exceptions, . 50 BMG (fifty caliber) rifles are illegal in California. They are prohibited by Penal Code 30610 PC and Penal Code 30600 PC, California's law on assault weapons.
Which US state is the most heavily armed?
Texas consistently has the most guns by total number, often exceeding a million registered firearms, followed by Florida, Virginia, and California, largely due to their large populations; however, states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead in gun ownership rates (percentage of households owning guns). Data varies slightly by year and source (e.g., registered firearms vs. sales vs. household ownership), but Texas remains the top state for total gun numbers.
What are ghost guns?
What are ghost guns? Ghost Guns are unserialized (and therefore untraceable) firearms that are put together by components purchased either as a kit or as separate pieces. These firearms are fully functioning guns that are as lethal as a fully finished, serialized firearm.
What is the hardest state to own a gun in?
Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry. Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.
Can the ATF show up to your house?
Except for limited permit holders, any ATF officer may, without a warrant, enter during business hours the premises, including places of storage, of any licensee or permittee for the purpose of inspecting or examining any records or documents required to be kept by the law and regulations and any explosive materials ...
How many guns does a normal person own?
The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.
What is the 26 pistol rule?
The "26 pistol rule" refers to an old ATF guideline where an AR-style pistol over 26 inches in overall length (OAL) wasn't considered a concealable "Any Other Weapon" (AOW), allowing vertical foregrips without NFA registration; however, this loophole was closed by ATF regulations (2023R-08F) making braced pistols with OAL under 26 inches AOWs, but courts have since blocked enforcement, leaving the legality of braced firearms in flux and generally requiring NFA registration or modification to avoid being classified as an SBR if under 26 inches.