What are the Gun Laws in South Carolina?
South Carolina is a gun-friendly state with a long history of Second Amendment protections. The state’s gun laws are designed to promote gun ownership and use for self-defense, hunting, and recreational purposes. Here, we’ll break down the key aspects of South Carolina’s gun laws to help you understand the rules and regulations.
General Overview
South Carolina has a shall-issue concealed carry law, meaning that the state issues permits to individuals who meet the required criteria. The state also has a pre-emption law, which means that local governments cannot enact stricter gun control laws than those at the state level.
Permit Requirements
To obtain a concealed carry permit in South Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a resident of the state
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Complete a firearms safety course approved by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- Pass a background check
- Not have any felony convictions, mental health issues, or restraining orders against you
Concealed Carry Laws
In South Carolina, you can carry a concealed firearm:
- With a permit: You can carry a concealed firearm if you have a valid permit issued by the SLED.
- In a vehicle: You can carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle, but it must be unloaded and securely stored in a compartment.
- In a building or structure: You can carry a concealed firearm in a building or structure if you have permission from the owner or occupant.
- In a national park: You can carry a concealed firearm in a national park, but it must be unloaded and stored in a compartment.
Open Carry Laws
In South Carolina, you can open carry a firearm:
- Without a permit: You can openly carry a firearm in a holster or other device designed for carrying firearms.
- In a vehicle: You can open carry a firearm in a vehicle, but it must be unloaded and securely stored in a compartment.
- In a building or structure: You can open carry a firearm in a building or structure if you have permission from the owner or occupant.
Background Checks
South Carolina requires background checks for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. The state also requires background checks for concealed carry permit applicants.
Magazine Capacity
There is no magazine capacity restriction in South Carolina for rifles or shotguns. For handguns, the state has a 10-round magazine capacity limit.
Red Flag Law
South Carolina has a red flag law, which allows authorities to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Castle Doctrine
South Carolina has a castle doctrine, which allows individuals to use deadly force in their homes, businesses, or vehicles without a duty to retreat.
Stand-Your-Ground Law
South Carolina has a stand-your-ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat.
Felon in Possession
In South Carolina, a felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Mental Health
In South Carolina, individuals with mental health issues are prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Restraint Orders
In South Carolina, individuals with restraining orders against them are prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Table: Summary of South Carolina Gun Laws
| Laws | Summary |
|---|---|
| Concealed Carry | Shall-issue permit required for concealed carry. |
| Open Carry | No permit required for open carry. |
| Background Checks | Required for firearm purchases and concealed carry permit applicants. |
| Magazine Capacity | No restriction for rifles or shotguns. 10-round limit for handguns. |
| Red Flag Law | Allows authorities to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. |
| Castle Doctrine | Allows use of deadly force in homes, businesses, or vehicles without a duty to retreat. |
| Stand-Your-Ground Law | Allows use of deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat. |
| Felon in Possession | Prohibited for felons to possess firearms. |
| Mental Health | Prohibited for individuals with mental health issues to possess firearms. |
| Restraint Orders | Prohibited for individuals with restraining orders to possess firearms. |
Conclusion
South Carolina’s gun laws are designed to promote responsible gun ownership and use. By understanding the laws and regulations, you can ensure that you are in compliance with the state’s requirements and that you are able to exercise your Second Amendment rights safely and responsibly. Remember to always follow the law and to prioritize gun safety above all else.
