Courtesy of John W. Thomas, USPS Postal Inspector We have had several recent letters indicating that the Post Office is no longer shipping guns for law enforcement agencies. Fortunately we now have the final word from a real expert, who happens to be a Postal Inspector for the "new" United States Postal Service. He has forwarded to us the internet link http://new.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub52.pdf for a PDF version of their Publication 52 mailing manual. The table replicated below is from their own manual.

If you are questioned by a local postal employee, tell them to see Pub. 52, page 65. Good Luck!

Handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer or dealer, an authorized federal agent, or an authorized state, territory, or district agent ONLY when addressed to one of the following addressee categories for use in official duties:
Addressee			Affidavit Requirements
a. Officer of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or organized reserve corps. b. Officer of National Guard or militia of a state, district, or territory.			Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by commanding officer
c. Officer of the federal government or a state, district, or territory whose official duty is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment. d. USPS employees specifically authorized by the chief postal inspector. e. Officer or employee of a U.S. enforcement agency.			Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by head of agency employing the addressee.
f. Watchman engaged in guarding federal, state, district, or territory property.			Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by chief clerk of department, bureau, or branch of government agency employing the addressee.
g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of an agency employing officers and personnel included in c, d, or e above.			Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by the head of agency stating the firearm is to be used by an officer or employee cited in c, d, or e of the opposite column.
Unloaded Handgun
	Mailer must be licensed manufacturer or dealer mailing to another licensed manufacturer or dealer.  Addressee is FBI (or its Director) or scientific lab or crime detection bureau of any agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers, or state, district, or territory officers authorized to serve warrants of arrest or commitment. Manufacturers or dealers must complete PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of Firearms, and file with the postmaster.  Postmasters may forward an unsatisfactory mailer statement to their RCSC for a ruling.
Unloaded Rifle or Shotgun
		Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable.  Mailer must comply with Gun Control Act of 1968 and with state and local laws. USPS may require mailer to open parcel or give written certification that weapon is unloaded and not concealable.  Registered mail service is recommended.
Unloaded Antique Firearm
		Unloaded antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces are acceptable for mailing.