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South Carolina — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Handgun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures8 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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

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

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures11 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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)

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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

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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

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Long Gun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures14 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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

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

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures15 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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

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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

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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

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Gun Homicides (Other) (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures16 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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

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

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures17 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Justifiable 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

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

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

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

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Regulation of Handguns

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Firearm Marking

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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