Laws regarding Long Guns
South Carolina has no gun laws specifically regulating the purchase or ownership of long guns (rifles & shotguns).
“Assault Weapons” Law
There is no “Assault Weapons” ban in South Carolina, or any kind of regulation on types or features of rifles.
Laws regarding Hand Guns
Age to Own a Handgun
South Carolina has no specific law regarding the age of handgun ownership. The Federal minimum is 18 years of age, with 21 years of age being required to purchase from a federally licensed gun dealer.
Handgun Permits
South Carolina does not require a permit to purchase a handgun. However, South Carolina does require a permit to carry a handgun outside the home.
Carry Laws
Open Carry
Open carry is allowed without a permit in South Carolina for long guns (shotguns and rifles) only. However, a handgun is only allowed to be openly carried with a concealed weapons permit. (SC Code 16-23-20).
Concealed Carry
South Carolina is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry licenses (SC Code 23-31-210). Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are issued by SLED, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. You must be 21 years old, be a South Carolina resident,
Laws Regarding 80% Lowers
Build as many of those “scary ghost guns” as you want, South Carolina does not regulate 80% lowers. And with no firearms registration policies, you can keep them to yourself.
Laws regarding Magazine Capacity
Thankfully South Carolina has no restriction on magazine capacity for any platform. So pistol, rifle, or shotgun, your firearm can contain as many rounds as you can possibly carry.
Laws regarding NFA Items
South Carolina is a very friendly state when it comes to it’s NFA laws! Which is great, because that’s the really fun stuff, right?
SBR/SBS
Suppressors or Silencers
South Carolina has no additional restrictions on suppressors or silencers over the federal NFA restrictions.
Machine Guns
South Carolina has no additional restrictions on machine guns over the federal NFA restrictions.
AOWs
South Carolina has no additional restrictions on AOWs over the federal NFA restrictions.
Red Flag Laws
Despite many proposals for “Red Flag” confiscation being pushed, our partner group Palmetto Gun Rights has been able to defeat “Red Flag” laws every time. As of right now, South Carolina has no red flag legislation on the books.
Disclaimer: All information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Always double check your state and local laws. Laws are subject to change, and the information in this blog may not be up-to-date or accurate.
