Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Go To ..

South Carolina — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

For US national statistics, federal law, inter-country comparisons and international agreements, see the United States country page
expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Compare
Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

ChartIn South Carolina, the percentage of adults living in a household with a firearm is reported to be

2004: 43.0%1
2002: 45.0%2
2001: 42.3%3

Compare
Proportion of Households with Firearms

In South Carolina, the percentage of households with one or more guns is reported to be

2004: 51.00%4

Compare
Proportion of Households with Firearms by Decade

ChartIn South Carolina, the percentage of households with one or more guns is estimated to be

2001/2010: 63.6%5 6
1991/2000: 70.4%
1981/1990: 73.8%

ImpactsDeath and Injury

Compare
Total Number of Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 7677
2013: 745
2012: 743
2011: 705
2010: 648
2009: 634
2008: 615
2007: 592
2006: 616
2005: 589
2004: 574
2003: 593
2002: 566
2001: 564
2000: 499
1999: 552

Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2014: 15.877
2013: 15.61
2012: 15.73
2011: 15.09
2010: 14.01
2009: 13.81
2008: 13.58
2007: 13.32
2006: 14.14
2005: 13.79
2004: 13.63
2003: 14.29
2002: 13.78
2001: 13.87
2000: 12.44
1999: 13.89

Compare
Homicides (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual homicides by any means total

2013: 3187
2012: 373
2011: 355
2010: 322
2009: 347
2008: 354
2007: 382
2006: 391
2005: 337
2004: 323
2003: 325
2002: 326
2001: 350
2000: 326
1999: 313

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2013: 6.667
2012: 7.90
2011: 7.60
2010: 6.96
2009: 7.56
2008: 7.82
2007: 8.60
2006: 8.97
2005: 7.89
2004: 7.67
2003: 7.83
2002: 7.94
2001: 8.61
2000: 8.13
1999: 7.87

Compare
Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual firearm homicides total

2013: 2447
2012: 273
2011: 253
2010: 229
2009: 235
2008: 249
2007: 255
2006: 274
2005: 235
2004: 220
2003: 236
2002: 227
2001: 228
2000: 169
1999: 223

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 5.117
2012: 5.78
2011: 5.41
2010: 4.95
2009: 5.12
2008: 5.50
2007: 5.74
2006: 6.29
2005: 5.50
2004: 5.22
2003: 5.69
2002: 5.53
2001: 5.61
2000: 4.21
1999: 5.61

Compare
Handgun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures8 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual handgun homicides total

2013: 1269 10
2012: 134
2011: 126
2010: 136
2009: 115
2008: 125
2007: 144
2006: 163
2005: 168
2004: 151
2003: 142
2002: 125
2001: 86
2000: 96
1999: 110
1998: 161
1997: 163
1996: 160
1995: 135

Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures11 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 2.6412
2012: 2.84
2011: 2.70
2010: 2.93
2009: 2.51
2008: 2.76
2007: 3.24
2006: 3.74
2005: 3.93
2004: 3.59
2003: 3.42
2002: 3.04
2001: 2.12
2000: 2.39
1999: 2.77
1998: 4.11
1997: 4.22
1996: 4.21
1995: 3.60

Compare
Handgun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual handgun homicides total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13 10
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 15

Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13 10
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Long Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures14 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual long gun homicides total

2013: 229 10
2012: 22
2011: 22
2010: 15
2009: 16
2008: 27
2007: 24
2006: 24
2005: 22
2004: 28
2003: 17
2002: 31
2001: 15
2000: 18
1999: 28
1998: 32
1997: 33
1996: 33
1995: 29

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures15 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.4612
2012: 0.47
2011: 0.47
2010: 0.32
2009: 0.35
2008: 0.60
2007: 0.54
2006: 0.55
2005: 0.52
2004: 0.66
2003: 0.41
2002: 0.75
2001: 0.37
2000: 0.45
1999: 0.70
1998: 0.82
1997: 0.85
1996: 0.87
1995: 0.77

Compare
Long Gun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual long gun homicides total

2013: 1113 10
2012: 16
2011: 14
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 13
2008: 19
2007: 19
2006: 23
2005: 13
2004: 15
2003: 18
2002: 23
2001: 24
2000: 18
1999: 27

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13 10
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.53
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.56
2001: 0.59
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.68

Compare
Gun Homicides (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures16 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual firearm homicides (other) total

2013: 769 10
2012: 81
2011: 75
2010: 56
2009: 66
2008: 54
2007: 67
2006: 66
2005: 27
2004: 15
2003: 40
2002: 44
2001: 23
2000: 16
1999: 8
1998: 6
1997: 13
1996: 31
1995: 11

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures17 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of firearm homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2013: 1.5912
2012: 1.72
2011: 1.60
2010: 1.21
2009: 1.44
2008: 1.19
2007: 1.51
2006: 1.51
2005: 0.63
2004: 0.36
2003: 0.96
2002: 1.07
2001: 0.57
2000: 0.40
1999: 0.20
1998: 0.15
1997: 0.34
1996: 0.82
1995: 0.29

Compare
Gun Homicides (Other) (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual firearm homicides (other) total

2013: 23113 10
2012: 256
2011: 236
2010: 218
2009: 220
2008: 224
2007: 230
2006: 246
2005: 213
2004: 201
2003: 212
2002: 195
2001: 195
2000: 146
1999: 181

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of firearm homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2013: 4.8413 10
2012: 5.42
2011: 5.04
2010: 4.71
2009: 4.79
2008: 4.95
2007: 5.18
2006: 5.64
2005: 4.99
2004: 4.77
2003: 5.11
2002: 4.75
2001: 4.80
2000: 3.64
1999: 4.55

Compare
Suicides (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual suicides by any means total

2013: 6967
2012: 673
2011: 658
2010: 637
2009: 619
2008: 565
2007: 530
2006: 524
2005: 510
2004: 482
2003: 476
2002: 440
2001: 467
2000: 443
1999: 418

Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2013: 14.587
2012: 14.25
2011: 14.08
2010: 13.77
2009: 13.49
2008: 12.48
2007: 11.93
2006: 12.02
2005: 11.94
2004: 11.45
2003: 11.47
2002: 10.71
2001: 11.49
2000: 11.04
1999: 10.52

Compare
Gun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual firearm suicides total

2013: 4707
2012: 433
2011: 426
2010: 392
2009: 377
2008: 343
2007: 311
2006: 315
2005: 314
2004: 328
2003: 328
2002: 304
2001: 311
2000: 297
1999: 287

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 9.487
2012: 9.17
2011: 9.12
2010: 8.48
2009: 8.21
2008: 7.57
2007: 7.00
2006: 7.23
2005: 7.35
2004: 7.79
2003: 7.90
2002: 7.40
2001: 7.65
2000: 7.40
1999: 7.22

Compare
Handgun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual handgun suicides total

2013: 1413
2012: 23
2011: 21
2010: 29
2009: 22
2008: 28
2007: 29
2006: 26
2005: 38
2004: 25
2003: 36
2002: 30
2001: 40
2000: 25
1999: 25

Compare
Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.49
2011: 0.45
2010: 0.63
2009: 0.48
2008: 0.62
2007: 0.65
2006: 0.60
2005: 0.89
2004: 0.59
2003: 0.87
2002: 0.73
2001: 0.98
2000: 0.62
1999: 0.63

Compare
Long Gun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, the number of long gun suicides is

2013: 3313
2012: 36
2011: 36
2010: 42
2009: 35
2008: 31
2007: 34
2006: 33
2005: 31
2004: 37
2003: 32
2002: 42
2001: 43
2000: 42
1999: 27

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.6913
2012: 0.76
2011: 0.77
2010: 0.91
2009: 0.76
2008: 0.68
2007: 0.77
2006: 0.76
2005: 0.73
2004: 0.88
2003: 0.77
2002: 1.02
2001: 1.06
2000: 1.05
1999: 0.68

Compare
Gun Suicides (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual gun suicides (other) total

2013: 42313
2012: 374
2011: 369
2010: 321
2009: 320
2008: 284
2007: 248
2006: 256
2005: 245
2004: 266
2003: 260
2002: 232
2001: 228
2000: 230
1999: 235

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2013: 8.8613
2012: 7.92
2011: 7.89
2010: 6.94
2009: 6.97
2008: 6.27
2007: 5.58
2006: 5.87
2005: 5.74
2004: 6.32
2003: 6.26
2002: 5.65
2001: 5.61
2000: 5.73
1999: 5.91

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2013: 157
2012: 26
2011: 17
2010: 20
2009: 17
2008: 14
2007: 14
2006: 17
2005: 34
2004: 17
2003: 24
2002: 31
2001: 17
2000: 18
1999: 30

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.317
2012: 0.55
2011: 0.36
2010: 0.43
2009: 0.37
2008: 0.31
2007: 0.32
2006: 0.39
2005: 0.80
2004: 0.40
2003: 0.58
2002: 0.75
2001: 0.42
2000: 0.45
1999: 0.75

Compare
Unintentional Handgun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by handgun total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Handgun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by handgun per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Unintentional Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by long gun total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2013: 1313
2012: 22
2011: 15
2010: 17
2009: 13
2008: 10
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 10
2005: 30
2004: 13
2003: 20
2002: 27
2001: 12
2000: 14
1999: 23

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.47
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.70
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.48
2002: 0.66
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.58

Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 7
2006: 5
2005: 2
2004: 3
2003: 2
2002: 4
2001: 4
2000: 7
1999: 6

Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)7
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.16
2006: 0.11
2005: 0.05
2004: 0.07
2003: 0.05
2002: 0.10
2001: 0.10
2000: 0.17
1999: 0.15

Compare
Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Handgun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause handgun deaths per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause long gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total

2013: 0 (suppressed)13
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is

2013: 0.00 (unreliable)13
2012: 0.00 (unreliable)
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Legal Intervention Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual legal-intervention gun homicides total

2011: 2118
2010: 14
2009: 11
2008: 1219
2007: 9
2006: 11
2005: 7
2004: 11
2003: 5
2002: 6
2001: 520
2000: 3
1999: 0
1998: 1
1997: 13
1996: 12
1995: 4

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Origin of Crime Guns

Compare
Suppliers of Crime Guns to Other US States (Rate)

When crime guns seized in the United States were traced, interstate gun traffickers had sourced their weapons from South Carolina at a rate of 33.021 per 100,000 inhabitants

Compare
Suppliers of Crime Guns to Other US States (Rank)

When crime guns seized in the United States were traced, South Carolina ranked at No. 621 out of 51 US jurisdictions as a source of weapons for interstate gun trafficking

MeasuresGun Regulation

Compare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in South Carolina is categorised as permissive22

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in South Carolina includes the South Carolina Code of Laws 2012 and the Constitution of South Carolina 189523

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in South Carolina are regulated by the State of South Carolina24 25 26

Compare
Right to Possess Firearms

In South Carolina, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,27 as limited by federal law28 and state law29 25 26

Compare
Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In South Carolina, civilians are not allowed to possess machine guns, unless manufactured prior to 19 May 1986 and with few other exceptions,30 but civilians are allowed to possess assault weapons,31 .50 calibre rifles32 and large capacity ammunition magazines33 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In South Carolina, private possession of fully automatic weapons is permitted subject to federal licensing and registration30 34 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In South Carolina, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted without a licence31 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

In South Carolina, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence35 25 26

Compare
Gun Ownership and Possession

In South Carolina, non-prohibited persons of minimum age36 37 25 26 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in South Carolina is 18 years for handguns (no minimum age for rifles or shotguns)38 25 26

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in South Carolina does not stipulate39 25 26 that firearm possession should be denied or revoked

Compare
Firearm Safety Training

In South Carolina, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required for a permit to carry a hidden handgun35 25 26

Firearm Registration

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

In South Carolina, the law does not require40 25 26 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In South Carolina, licensed firearm dealers are not required41 25 26 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

Compare
Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In South Carolina, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted42 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In South Carolina, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful only for handguns43 25 26

Compare
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in South Carolina is not obliged44 25 26 to pass official background checks before taking possession

Compare
Background Checks for Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in South Carolina is not obliged (under State Law)44 25 26 to pass official background checks before taking possession

Compare
Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In South Carolina, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is not limited45 25 26

Compare
Number of Licensed Gun Dealers

ChartThe number of licensed firearm dealers in South Carolina is reported to be

2015: 2,24046
2014: 2,24347
2013: 2,20948
2012: 2,04749
2011: 1,89950

Compare
Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In South Carolina, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined51 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Gun Shows

In South Carolina, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated52 25 26 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in South Carolina do not include53 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private guns and ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in South Carolina do not include54 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in South Carolina include55 53 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm Marking

In South Carolina, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law56 57 58 59 25 26

Compare
Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In South Carolina, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not60 25 26 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In South Carolina, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit (for handguns) and without a permit (for rifles and shotguns)61 25 26

Compare
Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In South Carolina, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit35 25 26

Compare
Hidden Handgun Permit May, or Shall Be Issued

In South Carolina, local licensing authorities "shall issue", without room for discretion,35 62 25 26 a hidden handgun carry permit to any non-prohibited person who applies

Compare
Reciprocity for Hidden Handgun Permit Holders

In South Carolina, gun owners with a permit to carry hidden handguns issued in another jurisdiction are granted (by mutual agreement)35 25 26 reciprocal rights

Compare
Exempting Hidden Handgun Permit Holders from Background Checks

In South Carolina, gun owners with a valid permit to carry a hidden handgun are exempt63 25 26 from background checks when buying from a licensed gun dealer

Compare
Gun Free Zones

In South Carolina, private guns are prohibited in State Capitol or publicly-owned buildings, bars, state park and recreation facilities, police stations, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, local or state authority meetings, school athletic events, child care facilities, any prohibited place, churches, hospitals or medical facilities,64 public transportation vehicles, vehicles (exposed firearms)55 and schools65 25 26

Grading US State Gun Laws

Compare
Gun Law Ranking – LCPGV

In their 'A-F' State Scorecard of US gun laws, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence ranked South Carolina as ‘F’66

Gun Law Ranking – Brady Campaign

ChartIn its annual State Scorecard, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence scored firearm legislation in South Carolina on a scale of 0 points (weak) to 100 points (strong)

2011: 867
2010: 1068
2009: 1069
2008: 970
2007: 1171

Compare
Gun Law Ranking – Open Society Institute

In its Comparative Survey of State Firearm Laws, the Open Society Institute ranked South Carolina at No. 1272 among 50 US States

Short References

1.

Miller, Matthew, Catherine Barber, Richard A. White and Deborah Azrael.2013.‘Firearms and Suicide in the United States: Is Risk Independent of Underlying Suicidal Behavior?.’ American Journal of Epidemiology.Baltimore, MD:Oxford Journals / Oxford University Press,23 August. (Q8393)Full Citation

2.

Okoro, Catherine A., David E. Nelson, James A. Mercy, Lina S. Balluz, Alex E. Crosby and Ali H. Mokdad.2005.‘Table 1: Prevalence Estimates of Adults With Household Firearms, 2002.’ Prevalence of Household Firearms and Firearm-Storage Practices in the 50 States and the District of Columbia: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002.Elk Grove Village, IL:Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,1 September. (Q8392)Full Citation

3.

North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.2002.‘Question: Are any firearms now kept in or around your home? Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle.’ BRFSS Survey Results 2001 for Nationwide.Atlanta, GA:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System / BRFSS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,2 September. (Q8391)Full Citation

4.

Azrael, Deborah, Philip J. Cook and Matthew Miller.2004.‘Table AIV: Firearms Prevalence by State Estimated from HICRC and from FS/S.’ State and Local Prevalence of Firearms Ownership Measurement, Structure, and Trends.New York, NY:Journal of Quantitative Criminology,1 March. (Q8325)Full Citation

5.

Siegel, Michael, Craig S. Ross and Charles King III.2013.‘Table A1: Average Gun Ownership Levels (Measured by Percentage of Suicides Committed Using Firearms) by State and Decade.’ The Relationship Between Gun Ownership and Firearm Homicide Rates in the United States, 1981–2010.Washington, DC:American Journal of Public Health,1 November. (Q8324)Full Citation

6.

Sabrina Tavernise and Robert Gebeloff. 2013. ‘Share of Homes with Guns Shows 4-Decade Decline.’ New York Times. 9 March. (N315) Full Citation

7.

CDC.2017.‘Injury Mortality Reports 1999 and Onwards (USA).’ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System / CDC WISQARS.Atlanta:National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,20 December. (Q1377)Full Citation

8.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Handgun Homicides.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G142) Full Citation

9.

FBI.2015.‘Crime in the United States / CIUS.’ Uniform Crime Reports / UCR.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation,1 September. (Q1978)Full Citation

10.

Rokaw, William M., James A. Mercy and Jack C. Smith.1990.‘Comparing Death Certificate Data with FBI Crime Reporting Statistics on US Homicides.’ Public Health Reports.Atlanta, GA:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 September. (Q6535)Full Citation

11.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G155) Full Citation

12.

GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - South Carolina.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,9 June. (Q7213)Full Citation

13.

CDC.2017.‘Underlying Cause of Death, Results.’ CDC WONDER Online Database.Atlanta, GA:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC, National Center for Health Statistics,1 December. (Q6875)Full Citation

14.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Long Gun Homicides.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G143) Full Citation

15.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G156) Full Citation

16.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Gun Homicides (Other).’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G144) Full Citation

17.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G157) Full Citation

18.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 2009-2011 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6872)Full Citation

19.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 2002-2008 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6873)Full Citation

20.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 1995-2001 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6874)Full Citation

21.

MAIG.2010.‘Part II: Identifying the Rates at which States "Export" Crime Guns.’ Trace the Guns: The Link between Gun Laws and Interstate Gun Trafficking.New York, NY:Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG),1 September. (Q8321)Full Citation

22.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

23.

State of South Carolina.2013.‘South Carolina Code of Laws 2012 and Constitution of South Carolina 1895.’ South Carolina Legislature Online.Columbia SC:South Carolina Legislature Online,17 October. (Q8135)Full Citation

24.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-510, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Local Authority to Regulate Firearms in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7736)Full Citation

25.

Cage, Feilding, Greg Chen and Gabriel Dance.2013.‘Gun Laws in the US, State by State - Interactive.’ The Guardian.New York, NY:The Guardian,16 January. (Q7938)Full Citation

26.

Wikipedia.2013.‘Gun Laws in the United States by State.’ Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.San Francisco, CA:Wikimedia Foundation,7 October. (Q7937)Full Citation

27.

USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation

28.

Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation

29.

State of South Carolina.2010.‘Article I, § 20 of the South Carolina Constitution.’ Firearms Law Database - State Right to Bear Arms in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 November. (Q8260)Full Citation

30.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-220, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Machine Guns and Automatic Firearms in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8540)Full Citation

31.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Assault Weapons in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8580)Full Citation

32.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Fifty Caliber Rifles in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8620)Full Citation

33.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8661)Full Citation

34.

ATF.2010.‘National Firearms Act (NFA).’ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - National Firearms Act Branch.Martinsburg, VA:US Department of Justice,8 July. (Q2036)Full Citation

35.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. §§ 16-23-20, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Concealed Weapons Permitting in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7634)Full Citation

36.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code § 16-23-500, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Prohibited Purchasers Generally in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7294)Full Citation

37.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Licensing of Gun Owners and Purchasers in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8037)Full Citation

38.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q6996)Full Citation

39.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘2009 S.C. Acts 59 § 6 (codified as S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-30), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Domestic Violence and Firearms in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7046)Full Citation

40.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Registration of Firearms in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7508)Full Citation

41.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-150(e), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Retention of Sales and Background Check Records in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7101)Full Citation

42.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30(A), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Private Sales in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7436)Full Citation

43.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-130, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Dealer Regulations in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7621)Full Citation

44.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-140, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Background Checks in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q6913)Full Citation

45.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Multiple Purchases and Sales of Firearms in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7343)Full Citation

46.

USA.2016.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2015.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2016.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),9 August. (Q13211)Full Citation

47.

USA.2016.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2014.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2015.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),15 March. (Q13210)Full Citation

48.

USA.2014.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2013.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2014.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),24 April. (Q13213)Full Citation

49.

USA.2013.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2012.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2013.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),1 April. (Q13212)Full Citation

50.

USA.2012.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2011.’ Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2012.Washington, DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),1 January. (Q6787)Full Citation

51.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Waiting Periods in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7151)Full Citation

52.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Gun Shows in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 January. (Q7984)Full Citation

53.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7478)Full Citation

54.

LCPGV.2012.‘Summary of State Laws Regulating Firearms Dealers - Security Measures.’ Firearms Law Database - Dealer Regulations Policy Summary.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,18 May. (Q7549)Full Citation

55.

State of South Carolina.2010.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-10(10), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Guns in Vehicles in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,2 November. (Q8163)Full Citation

56.

USA.2012.‘Marking of All SALW at Time of Manufacture.’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,3 August. (Q6784)Full Citation

57.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1588)Full Citation

58.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1590)Full Citation

59.

USA.2007.‘Marking of All SALW at Time of Manufacture.’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,17 July. (Q1593)Full Citation

60.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘Microstamping and Ballistic Identification in South Carolina.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7685)Full Citation

61.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Open Carrying in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7944)Full Citation

62.

LCPGV.2012.‘Summary of State CCW Laws.’ Firearms Law Database - Concealed Weapons Permitting Policy Summary.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,21 May. (Q8684)Full Citation

63.

LCPGV.2012.‘States that Issue Permits that Qualify the Holder for an Exemption from a NICS Check.’ Firearms Law Database - Background Checks Policy Summary.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,21 May. (Q7748)Full Citation

64.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 10-11-320, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Other Location Restrictions in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 January. (Q8304)Full Citation

65.

State of South Carolina.2012.‘S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(A), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Guns in Schools in South Carolina.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7840)Full Citation

66.

LCPGV.2015.‘Why We Grade the States.’ 2015 Gun Law State Scorecard.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,16 December. (Q11396)Full Citation

67.

Brady Campaign.2012.‘State Scorecard 2011.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,16 February. (Q6893)Full Citation

68.

Brady Campaign.2011.‘State Scorecard 2010.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,4 May. (Q7051)Full Citation

69.

Brady Campaign.2010.‘State Scorecard 2009.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,18 February. (Q7052)Full Citation

70.

Brady Campaign.2009.‘State Scorecard 2008.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,8 February. (Q7053)Full Citation

71.

Brady Campaign.2008.‘State Scorecard 2007.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,31 January. (Q1372)Full Citation

72.

OSI.2000.‘A Comparative Survey of the State Firearm Laws - Chart 1.’ Gun Control in the United States.New York, NY:Open Society Institute,1 April. (Q8316)Full Citation