Normally I avoid the post office at all costs, because they still seem to enforce an unconstitutional no-guns policy. Unfortunately, not long ago I had to mail a certified letter.
The local PO is in a rough area of town, in a strip mall. When I parked, I almost went in armed, but, being Joe-Law-Abiding that I am, and knowing I have some health issues, I thought, it would be just my luck that I would need medical attention while inside and my gun would be discovered, so I left it in the truck and went in.
On the way out, I saw a guy who was obviously not a model citizen on a bike quickly riding up and down the rows in the strip mall parking lot. As I approached, I directly saw him ride past my truck and pull the door handle. I then saw that’s what he was doing to all the cars. I realized, this MF-er knows people are disarming before going into the PO. Even if someone is walking out and sees him stealing from their car, there’s nothing they could do to stop him, he’s got their gun and he’s now totally in charge.
That’s the last time I’ll ever go brain dead and disarm like that for the Post Office.
Having said that, does anyone know the status of the ruling that banning arms in the post office is unconstitutional?
Is this being challenged? What’s next for this, anyone know? Yet again we seem to have a federal agency going against the constitution amd the courts with zero consequences.
Not telling you to do it, doesn’t concealed mean concealed. I know you can wind up in deep dodo if caught. Might be a better idea to find a PO in a better location if possible.
I’m unsure how that ruling is proceeding through the courts.
Another thing to be aware of under that horrible no firearms on PO property regulation is that if the parking lot is PO property then the law applies to the parking lot as well. So you have to park on a public right of way or some other parking lot not owned by the PO to remain in compliance with that law. Something the criminals are likely also aware of and looking for.
Hindsight a good idea would be go back inside, call the cops and let them know someone is checking door handles. Around the Tampa Bay area that gets a fairly quick response as there are multiple task forces after these jackwagons. And yes most of the shooting around here are from stolen guns left in unlocked vehicles, which is why a response is definitely made.
Fortunately, there are several independent Pack & Ship type places near me in much safer sections of town than my Post Office. They do USPS, UPS, and FedEx. This might be worth considering in the future.
In addition to that, they are not federal property, so I have always considered them exempt from the Federal Post Office property GFZ. As a matter of fact, I shipped a 1911 to Springfield Armory by walking in the door with it in the original blow-molded case and they boxed it up and shipped it for me - no questions asked and it was obvious what it was. If anybody thinks I am wrong, I need to know.
So now you’re going to carry into the post office because you saw somebody who looked like they were going to break into vehicles in the parking lot?
And for the, but you’re not a Lawyer crowd, I’m sure this will make it very easy for your simple mind to understand.
Can I have a gun in a post office parking lot if it is unloaded and locked in a case?
No, federal law prohibits the possession of firearms, regardless of their condition, on post office property…
So you going have to park in a public location and if you’re worried about somebody stealing it out of your vehicle, you need to find a way to secure that gun to your vehicle.
I walked, ok I hobbled with my cane, in to the post office and I had to unzip my coat to get to my wallet. The post office employee asked Hey, what ya carrying? I started to explain that I had forgotten that I couldn’t carry it there.He stopped me and said Brother, this is Idaho, everybody carries!. We then spent ten or so minutes talking carry guns, and the lady behind me in line said it took her three years to get her husband to carry! Let me add that she was the only other customer. I LOVE IDAHO!!!
Wow! Why the need to insult me and my “simple mind?” Who the he!! are you? If you’d read my post, it was about 1. The post office is continuing to enforce a rule that was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge, 2. It’s creating a dangerous situation for everyone, and 3. Do any of the USCCA members here know of any progress on getting this rule removed, or what’s people’s take?
For your information, again, if you read, I said the Post Office was in a strip mall, making it legal to have the gun in the parking lot, as they don’t own or lease it, and I could have been parking for any of the dozen businesses there, and 2. I didn’t say I was illegally carrying in the post office, I said I’m not disarming for them again. That could mean I don’t plan on going there again.
Grow up and don’t insult when no one has said anything to warrant it.
A little off this topic, but I keep a 1 gun cable safe in my car for those times we go out and end up having to sit at the bar. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom and my wife knows where I am going.
I know people that say I am over the top because they carry at the bar and can never tell I am carrying. I’m not willing to risk losing my carry rights.
@Gary_H Geez I hope you are correct. That’s one reason I use the UPS store. Their tracking is great. My only suggestion is that if you are shipping ammo, guns, whatever is that you require a signature for delivery. Will keep the porch pirates away.
Ditto. And at the restaurants I frequent, where I might sit at the bar, I’m almost always able to park in a spot where I can keep an eye on my truck from the bar. I hate leaving it locked in my truck, especially this time of year when bad elves might be cruising the parking lots, looking for five finger discounts on merch.
I avoid the PO as much as possible. The fact that I can’t even park in their parking lot with it locked away is ridiculous to begin with. And in this particular case, it was the USPS employees who were “going postal” and shooting at everyone. USPS employees are doing the shooting and they want ME to go in there unarmed??? Forget it!!!
I’m avoiding going to the PO just for the fact I pay for 2-3 Priority service and always end up with 7 day ground service and that is if they don’t lose my package at least 3 times first.
The law should be if a place/building does not have a metal detector then it is not off limits to me, what I have on my belt to protect me, and mine with. Don’t See, Don’t Know, Not a Problem.
It you need a gun in the Post Office, you can borrow one froma postal worker. Look for the angry looking guy behind the counter who doesn’t like his government job or co-workers.
I know for absolute fact, as a, let’s say, previous professional matter…there are post officers with metal detectors that will trigger to a firearm but not loose change or even a pocket knife.
The status is that it’s federally illegal to carry at the post office.
