Considering Moving to North or South Carolina.. Need Some Advice

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Hi, I am thinking of moving to Charleston, South Carolina or possibly even North Carolina. More likely I would be leaning to living in coastal area of South Carolina. I have considered FLorida aswell, but the more I read about it, the more I just don't feel it woudl be ideal for me.

Anyhow, I am wondering if people can tell me the situation with long distance rifle ranges (like 600yd+) in Charleston, SC area or areas around Charlotte, NC. I have not done much investigation yet in Charlotte but I want to check it out or the surrounding areas. Any other suggestions by people of good places to live in South Carolina that have decent shooting facilities and rifle ranges nearby?

Also, I was wondering if anyone knows about the conceal carry handgun laws in SC and NC. My main quesiton is how hard is it to get an out-of-state conceal carry permit for North Carolina if I live in South Carolina and to get a South Carolina handgun permit if I live in North Carolina. The reason I ask is I can see myself travelling back and forth. Like, if I move to Charleston, I can picture myself couple times a month maybe going to Charlotte and I would like to have the ability to have a conceal handgun with me.

I have been carrying a gun with me for over year and half and I hate to be in situation where i am not allowed to carry a gun.. Havent left Pacific NW in over 5 years, except for brief overseas trip. It will be strange leaving the state, but I know its time to move on.

Anyway, I am interested in hearing from people in the area. I am not 100% on where I will move, still pondering different places, but from reading about South Carolina, it really seems like a nice state would good gun laws.

If there is anything you think I don't know about the place, that i shoudl know, I like to know as well.
 
I live in northwest NC and I have a CCW license. NC and SC honor each other's CCW licenses so you should be fine with a license from either state. That's the nice thing about the southeast -- we generally honor most of the states around us so you can travel throughout the region with no worries.

Can't answer your question about ranges, though.
 
I live in northwest NC and I have a CCW license. NC and SC honor each other's CCW licenses so you should be fine with a license from either state. That's the nice thing about the southeast -- we generally honor most of the states around us so you can travel throughout the region with no worries.
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SC does not, however, share reciprocity with GA (NC/FL do).
 
SC does not, however, share reciprocity with GA (NC/FL do).
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Very true -- something I didn't realize. In looking into this further, it appears that SC does not share reciprocity with Alabama or Mississippi, either. Something to consider if your travels would take you to these states...
 
You want some advice? Stay away from NC, it's turning into a liberal, high tax hellhole. There's a good reason it's earning the nick-name, "The Massachusetts of the South"
 
Charleston is expensive to live in, go a hour or so out, it's cheaper. But then there is the commute. They have fared somewhat better in this economy due to an AF base and a shipyard nearby. Crime rate is higher there, especially in the North Charleston area. There is at least 1 indoor range, I don't know about rifle though.

Go to here

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/rifleranges.html

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2009/oct19/oct19_nra.html

There are several private clubs throughout the state, I seem to think there is an 800 yds range somewhere. I know the is a 300 yds one in the midlands part of the state.

Go here for CCW info

http://www.sled.sc.gov/cwp.aspx?MenuID=CWP

If you haven't experienced heat and humidity, the South Carolina coast is an ideal place for an initiation.

You might want to consider the Greenville area as well. Cooler, mountains, and not far from Charlotte.
 
If you haven't experienced heat and humidity, the South Carolina coast is an ideal place for an initiation.
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Yep, and sand gnats. Also, there is a very good reason they call mosquitoes "Gallon-Nippers".

There is no place that I'd rather be. Whether it is February or August, I love that city.

Wyman
 
I live in Upstate SC, about an hour south of Greenville. It's hot and humid all over this state, so you might as well get used to it if you plan on living in this area. The cool thing is even if you live in the upstate of SC, the beach is a 4 or 5 hour drive away, so short vacations are very doable.

A New Hampshire non-res and I think a Utah permit will cover you for lack of GA reciprocity in SC.

Shooting ranges of decent yardage are not in my area. Shooting ranges at all are not exactly common in my area, unfortunately.
 
I believe there is a 1000yd range in the Charlotte area. I am near Avenger29 in Greenville county. We have the Greenville Gun Club and I believe they go out to 600 yds.

The South is pretty gun friendly but once you get away from the larger cities like Charlotte it is not so much a sport as a way of life. Many South Carolinians own guns but don't shoot on any kind of a regular basis for sport or recreation, and when they feel the need they call up a buddy with a couple dozen acres and go out for an afternoon.
 
Where I live, it's a matter of exactly where you are. In Hendersonville, HPD is receptive toward CCW holders and are rarely any more aloof during license checks. However, a few miles away is Asheville. The two times I've been stopped in Asheville, I had my pistol "secured" and asked to pull off the side of the road and wait for the licenses to be run, which took nearly 15 minutes.

I suppose it's different protocol between the two departments, who knows.
H'ville isn't bad though.
 
Thanks for all the responses.

I have never been to the South, but I think its time for a change of lifestyle and scenery. I have been in Oregon more or less for 17 years. It has grown old and I am tired of the place. I would like to be in a place with new culture and I don't mind being around bible thumpers compared to being around liberals and freakos, which this state of Oregon (and WA too) seems to be overflowing with.

Anyhow, I am sad to hear North Carolina is becoming so liberalized. Yeah, I heard its going quite leftish. Well, it seems even Texas (in the cities), is going that route too. Wasn't particularly happy about todays news in HOuston. Well, I won't go into that subject..

High humidity? Come to Oregon, Portland in Summer can be worse than south.. 95F days and rain, then the rest of year cold, drizzly , foggy and dreary. Well I have spent time in the jungles in equatorial countries.. I really don't mind jungly heat as long as I got AC, its this d**n cold that bothers me. I don't like mozzies, hope SC doesnt have it as bad as Florida does. Not as many swamps there i think?



Perhaps, South Carolina will be the best place for me. I am seriously considering CHarleston area. I heard Charleston is a real beautiful place overall and I like to be in place that has all modern amenities, gun friendly, warm weather and has the supposed "southern charm".

I know most of the poeple who post here are from North Carolina and I respect all the info they gave me. Perhaps, I may consider moving to North Carolina still, although I am really craving warmer weather and very liberalphobic. Sorry to all you liberals reading this, but well I got my preferences; no offense to you personally. However, I know North Carolina has bigger cities and more to do, possibly. Maybe, I would consider it.


As far as shooting is concerned.. would you say South Carolina has more shooting facilities, like ranges than North Carolina or vice versa? It sounds like SC is more gun friendly than NC, am I right? I am still fuzzy on whether a South Carolina resident can carry a gun into North Carolina. It seems a North Carolina resident can carry one into South Carolina. Not sure of these reciprocity laws. They seem confusing. When I checked reciprocity laws for GA and NC, it didn't seem they recognize an South Carolina gun permit. Am I wrong?

Can anyone tell me about rifle ranges in Charleston area? Is there a lot of areas to shoot long range rifles, like in the woods, that are safe? I rather not shoot in the wilderness, I do prefer rifle ranges for now. I would really be interested to go to a place where its easier to mingle with other black gun owners, like myself. Where I live now, everyone is a hunter and very few have AR or AK guns. In general, many Oregonians shun guns, but there are also lot of pro-gun people in this state.

Is there any stigma with meeting other locals in the area, if you're not a "southerner"? I hope not to be thought of as a "yank"; I like to fit in and make good friends , especially find people who like to go shooting.

Any views on which place is better between Charleston v. Columbia v. Greenville? What about Hilton Head Island? I am amazed that South Carolina seems to have prices similar to South California.. Guess lot of northerners are craving warm weather like me.. Sorry.. :D

OH yeah, what would peopel say the crime is like in Charleston v Columbia v Greenville? Some say CHarleston is real safe other say its totally crime-ridden. I know the south in general has more crime than Oregon. Oregon is pretty safe in that regard.. I have a home biz so I probably would try to live a bit out of the city, but not more than 40 min or so.
 
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Like any large city there is a "seedy" area with higher crime, crack heads, meth heads, gangs, etc. If you decide on an area, ALWAYS check with the local PD and ask questions about crime for that area. Robberies and burgleries are higher now, with the economy.

I travel around the state a good bit, midlands and lower, Charleston is nice, but most folks call the general area "Charleston". There are many communities there.

Which is better- hard to say. I live near Columbia, I have lived in Greenville, and I have spent a good bit of time working around Charleston.

Greenville seemed to me more diverse, but it is harder to find places to easily hunt and shoot.

Columbia seems to be just average, but there are places to hunt and shoot that are easy to get to.

Charleston, as I posted earlier is more pricey, and again there are places to hunt and shoot.

All 3 cities have significant traffic during certain parts of the day. But if you are working from home you can plan your trips.

As I've traveled the state I tend to find individual properties that are nice, not specific cities.

As for shooting, I would recommend getting enough acreage to set up your own range. I can shoot 200 yds safely on my property. If I can get the dirt off of a nearby project and build a berm, I'm up to 300 yds.

It occurred to me that Blackwater is out on the eastern side of NC, I know they have longer ranges there. I'm thinking there is a longer range around Savannah, also.

Oh, and that humidity, I've worked in Seattle, the quality of the humidity is different here. I was doing a repair last year during a string of 105 degree days, it was pushing 120 where is was. A customer rep popped in the doorway and immediately backed out. "Whoa, how can you work in this heat?", I just smiled and said "you get used to it"
 
I'm from Florida, was born here and haven't gone too far yet. I HATE the heat and humidity combo. I've lived here my entire life and I still am not used to it. This summer I went to NC for about a week, stayed at a place on the beach with some friends. It was a 10-11 hour drive (one way) that made me a little loony, but MAN the weather was great up there. It was summer time so there was heat... BUT NO HUMIDITY! None that I was bothered with, at least. In Orlando in the summertime, it feels like you're rubbing up against a wet dog when you go outside. I would like to live up there someday. It's a tie between there and Colorado. In about a year and a half I have to decide.
 
Consider GA. Depending on your rifle interests (tactical, Highpower, or BPCR) there are several options. Just north of Atl, there is a club (rbgc.org) that has a 200/3/600 HP range for HP and BPCR. Ft Benning has 2/3/6/1000 HP open to civilians, Chattanooga TN has 500 yd HP, Oak Ridge TN has 2/3/6/1000 HP, Ft Gordon (Augusta) has 1000 yd. Greenville Gun Club has 300 yds. Camp Butner NC has 1000 yds. But most is NRA Highpower rather than tactical rifle, but there is some of that. But you can get to all of those places from Greenville which would be my choice.

But as others have said - it is hot and we got bugs. It is what it is.........
 
Consider GA. Depending on your rifle interests ...
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There is also a range called "Gun Site Hills". They are located ~30 miles (IIRC)east of Athens. They have a 700 yard range, with instructors for those that are new to the longer ranges. They have a website, for any one with interest. I've been wanting to make the trip, just haven't gotten around to it. I've never shot over about 350 yards. I figure shooting and instruction at the longer range, can only help at normal ranges.

Wyman
 
If you're considering South Carolina, you may want to have a look at this. It talks about reciprocity, CCW, and duty to retreat. You have the duty to retreat in SC if you are on the street (even in your car) or "in a store where the public is invited."

DD
 
I have lived mostly south east of Charlotte my entire life(64). I like the rolling hills of the countryside that stay green most of the year. I cannot remember but two tornadoes coming through and one hurricane that still packed 80 mph winds. One snow that was 18" in 2K but normally we only have 4-6 inchers that go away in a few days. The mts have plenty of snow if you like more.
IF I was a younger man I would move to the bigger hills of Montgomery county north of Troy. 7% minorities, very low crime rate(wonder why), nice people and you still have to be "kin" to buy land on Calicutt mountain-lol.
Lots of people are moving into the Greenville/Spartanburg section of SC. so somebody likes it. Stay away from the lowlands unless you like knats and ants everywhere-oh yes, I forgot the sand fleas--motorized monsters with jaws of steel-lol.
 
Where I live, it's a matter of exactly where you are. In Hendersonville, HPD is receptive toward CCW holders and are rarely any more aloof during license checks. However, a few miles away is Asheville. The two times I've been stopped in Asheville, I had my pistol "secured" and asked to pull off the side of the road and wait for the licenses to be run, which took nearly 15 minutes.
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My experience in Asheville is just the opposite. I'll hand over my "papers" with my CHP on top, inform the officer that I'm armed or unarmed, and that's about it. We either proceed with the stop, or talk guns for a few minutes...

In a few cases I was helping to push a disabled vehicle from the road and simply told the officer I had my carry permit and was armed, two of them didnt care, one did ask to see my permission slip, but after we were pushing the car onto the shoulder (he helped). Those were three separate occasions.

edit: I was disarmed once, but I'm pretty sure that's SOP during a felony stop...

There was an amber alert involving a beat up blue Caprice with an NC tag, and the number was similar to the one on my beat up blue Caprice... Once they figured out I wasn't who they were looking for they apologized and started to explain - I told them not to bother. I heard the amber alert on the radio and had enough time to say "Aw sh.." before I saw the blue lights.
 
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A New Hampshire non-res and I think a Utah permit will cover you for lack of GA reciprocity in SC.
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Georgia accepts either of those. SC doesn't honor either, and does not accept non-res permits from any state.
 
I live in the Upstate, Spartanburg County. Property taxes are MUCH lower here as is property itself. If you are over 65 then you qualify for an additional tax relief. No school taxes . There are sevewral good outdoor ranges in the area. I have found only a couple of indoor ranges in Spartanburg. Also we are only 70-90 miles from Charlotte and 4 hrs from Charleston. If you like the outdoors, a more rural atmoshphere and pick up trucks, the Upstate is for you.
 
I live in Greenville SC, and recommend it heartily. A good local forum for information is carolinashootersforum.com
 
One advantage of Charleston is now that Boeing is coming to town, jobs will be more readily available. It also has a horrendous crime rate, especially in North Charleston. Safe, close-in neighborhoods are VERY expensive in Charleston. Many are living in the Summerville area and commuting. SC has some nasty taxes though, roads are rated some of the worst in the nation and the school system is marginal at best. While I understand your desire to live in a gun-friendly state, there are other factors that should rate a higher priority for day-in and day-out living.

A lot of retirees are moving out of Florida due to hurricanes, neighborhood mix changes for the worse, etc. and they are moving to NC, SC, TN areas where the weather is more tolerable than a FL summer.

In either state, you probably won't have anywhere the open, public-access lands that you're used to from the West.

Good luck with your move
 
The Carolinas are not that great on ccw

there are still a lot of gun control laws left over from Jim Crow.
Virginia is much better than the Carolinas on guns. Having said that, there are many worse states than the Carolinas to live :)
 
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