Can I carry in Post Offices or not?

waffenmacht · Post by **waffenmacht** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:40 am

Kevin is exactly right. We all know that it is perfectly legal to ship long guns through the USPS. Also, the gun would be boxed, with an FFL copy inside. So if I walk into the Post Office, with a longgun in a box, and ship it, then haven't I just entered a post office with a concealed firearm? And haven't I just done so legally, as the Post Office does have a written policy on how they ship firearms.

onerifle · Post by **onerifle** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:39 am

Charles L. Cotton wrote:... the effect of 39 CFR 232.1(p)(2) on a CHL’s status is uncertain. Play it safe, either stay off Postal Service property, or . . . [you fill in the blank].

Chas- I emailed Atty General Abbott's office about this issue a little over a year ago, and got a reply that said that their office could not give legal opinions to the general public, only "authorized requestors".

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/opi ... html#legal

Is it possible to pursue a legal request to an "authorized requestor" in order to get a definitive ruling? I presume a negative wouldn't be any worse than what most of us deal with already, and there's always the off chance we could get a "yes"... :)

The Uranium Savage · Post by **The Uranium Savage** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 7:31 am

FWIW, I called "The Postal Police Dept." and was told that even locking your sidearm in the car could be an arrestable offence!

dolanp · Post by **dolanp** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:58 am

waffenmacht wrote:Kevin is exactly right. We all know that it is perfectly legal to ship long guns through the USPS. Also, the gun would be boxed, with an FFL copy inside. So if I walk into the Post Office, with a longgun in a box, and ship it, then haven't I just entered a post office with a concealed firearm? And haven't I just done so legally, as the Post Office does have a written policy on how they ship firearms.

There is an exception for 'official purposes' which would include shipping a long gun pursuant to regulations, but probably not carrying under CHL authority.

tehlump · Post by **tehlump** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:08 am

onerifle wrote:
Charles L. Cotton wrote:... the effect of 39 CFR 232.1(p)(2) on a CHLâ€™s status is uncertain. Play it safe, either stay off Postal Service property, or . . . [you fill in the blank].
Chas- I emailed Atty General Abbott's office about this issue a little over a year ago, and got a reply that said that their office could not give legal opinions to the general public, only "authorized requestors".

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/opi ... html#legal

Is it possible to pursue a legal request to an "authorized requestor" in order to get a definitive ruling? I presume a negative wouldn't be any worse than what most of us deal with already, and there's always the off chance we could get a "yes"... :)

How is the average person supposed to know what is legal and not if the atty gen of your state can't or won't answer your question?

Our legal system has become too cumbersome. If a citizen is forced to ask the leading law official in a given state if something is illegal or not and they can't receive an answer I would think by definition the law is too obscure to be effective.

dolanp · Post by **dolanp** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:36 am

FWIW the ATF considers it illegal. I have a letter from them. However, this is not a 'judgement' but an opinion.

Post by **Charles L. Cotton** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:26 pm

onerifle wrote: Is it possible to pursue a legal request to an "authorized requestor" in order to get a definitive ruling?

It is my understanding that all State Senators and House Members can request an AG opinion, and I belive other elected officials, but I'm not sure. I know from experience it is very difficult to get anyone to request an AG opinion, but I'm not sure why.

Regards,
Chas.

Braden · Post by **Braden** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:13 pm

KBCraig wrote:Do you know where it exempts persons coming in to ship firearms? That's perfectly legal, and it's the preferred method (being cheaper) for C&R FFLs like myself.

I believe the post office only prohibits the shipment of handguns (according to the ATF website). Long guns can still be shipped though USPS.

BobCat · Post by **BobCat** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:16 pm

You are right, long guns can be shipped USPS; no handguns ("concealable" guns) though.

If they are intra-state - i.e. within the state - there is no need for them to go to an FFL, either. They only have to go to an FFL if crossing a state line.

This is from the USPS web site, and from the Postmaster at the East Bernard Post Office - she was real nice about teling me the rules. I sent a Marlin lever gun to my brother (in state) and there was no bull or problem.

Regards,
Andrew

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Can I carry in Post Offices or not?

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