Why Do People Say South Carolina is Gun Friendly?

[Evergreen]

I lost my job of 15 years and now am planning on leaving the Pacific Northwest, which has been my home most of my life. So, I was investigating different places to live and, of course, being a gun owner and pro-RKBA person, I want to live in a place where my 2nd Amendment freedoms are respected. So, I was looking at different states and their gun laws and became shocked at the laws of the state after reading the finer details on the government websites and from people who lived there around the forums on the net.

Despite, the reputation, Washington and Oregon seem to have better gun laws than a majority of states in the country. Now, we have had many transplants from the Northeast and California who have been striving and somewhat successful at revoking these freedoms. For example, I-594 passed in Washington and a likewise measure passed in Oregon. This enforced all private sales require an FFL transfer. Although, Washington state recently within a few years ago legalized suppressors and SBRs, although SBSs and machine guns are still illegal. Oregon still is fairly free, although the liberals are fighting to change that.


What shocks me is that I always heard the Deep South has this great reputation for freedom, liberty and being a gun friendly culture. I am a software developer and saw the IT job market is booming and cost of living is less (although rising) in some southeastern states, such as TN, NC, SC, GA, etc. I also grew up in the mountains and thought it be nice to be in a place that has greenery and some type of mountain scenery, so thought it be nice to be near the Appalachians. I was getting excited reading about Greenville, SC and was seriously investigating it and even have a friend there who said he can show me around and help me find a place. However, I hit a brick wall when I decided to take a quick peep at their guns laws and realized they are the most draconian I have seen of any of the states I was considering living. After realizing none of the four concealed handgun licenses I have are recognized in South Carolina, I decided to dig a bit further.

I hit the forums and was shocked at all the rules, restrictions and regulations people were discussing about. Growing up in the Northwest, maybe I got spoiled, but we have hardly any restrictions on where we can carry. For example, in Oregon you can open carry AR-15s right on the State Capitol in Salem. In Washington you can do the same, but with a conceaedl handgun license (I know doesn't make sense, but whatever). In Washington, the only restrictions are the federal places, courthouses/police stations, schools (not universities) and bars. Getting a concealed handgun license in Washington is as simple as a quick trip to the Sheriff and like $50. Whereas in Oregon you need to take a one hour course and then you are square.

People started talking about "No Gun Zone" signs having the force of law. I found out Tennessee had this anti-2A decree, but with TN it seemed to stop there. In Washington and Oregon, all they can do is tell you to leave and you will be at worst cited for Trespassing. However, South Carolina takes this miles further and actually makes it a crime to carry into a person's home unless you have some type of permission. Therefore, if someone was in a bad mood and wanted to call cops, they can say you are carrying and you can have your gun rights stripped from you. I have no idea how far reaching this draconian law would be. Then, there is restrictions on carrying in restaurants, churches (I guess 1st Amendment doesn't apply either, Separation of Church and State), medical care centers , universities (by force of law), school athletic events, among others.

So, now I am freaked out .. Crap, considering when I am out and about I will probably stop into a restaurant and I always pack when I go to Temple, I just feel my constitutional rights have been considerably compromised in the state of South Carolina. I might as well just leave my gun at home. I've heard that even carrying guns in parks and State Parks is illegal in many of the Southeastern states, e.g. TN. Not 100% sure about parks/state parks in SC. Can a walk in the park end me up as a gun offender? I'm also a firm believer in 1st Amendment, Separation of CHurch and State, so worship what you like, but do not make your church/religious institution a governing body over me.

So, of course, I know not to believe everything I hear, so I decided to review the actual laws on the state of South Carolina's website, for myself and they coincide with what everyone ha said. The list of gun restrictions and gun laws for South Carolina is like 3 times the size of the gun laws for the state of Washington. That is not a good thing! For those, who do not know what I am referring to, here is a link:

SC Gun Law Website
http://www.sled.sc.gov/SCStateGunLaws1.aspx

Code of Gun Laws/Restrictions
http://scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php



I guess I am shocked and now realize that the romanticizing of certain states as "Conservative" and "Gun Friendly" can be quite misleading and fallacious. Yes, maybe there is a lot of gun-toting people in the place, but that doesn't make it gun friendly, constitutionally sound or even free.

What I would like is to hear from people from South Carolina if they can explain if there is something I am not understanding here or if others can share with me why a place like South Carolina gets all type of ratings as a "Gun Friendly " state when in fact states like Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, even states like Wisconsin and Michigan are more gun friendly, at least from the legal perspective.

Because of the draconian gun laws I see, I'm reconsidering ever living (or even visiting) South Carolina. I hate going to states where I am forced to be disarmed. Also the process for getting a conceal carry permit in South Carolina is very rigorous. They require you to take an expensive course, get all types of certifications, spend time on a range and qualify based on their expectations. As well, they have quizzes and exams, etc. All this so I can exercise my 2nd Amendment rights, which were suppose to be guaranteed in our Constitution! I guess I feel a bit dismayed and perhaps a bit disgruntled that this so-called freedom loving state is so d*mn restrictive..

I cannot confirm but think Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina are much less restrictive, but will need to dive again to their gun laws. I've researched a bit about Tennessee and North Carolina, but need to learn more. Georgia is a state I hear is very gun friendly, but need to confirm by reading the laws.

 

[Midwest]

If you have reservations about South Carolina, there are other fine states to settle in the South. And don't overlook other States like Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana and West Virginia they are pretty good too.
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[Ash]

And northern Alabama near Huntsville has many IT jobs.

Mississippi is very gun-friendly but since folks view us so poorly few want to move here. That's nice because we get to keep our laws and land remains relatively cheap.

 

[Sam1911]

"Gun Friendly" state reputations (and ratings in magazines or by advocacy organizations) come from the totality of the gun ownership situation in that area, not just the one part you're most interested in.

You're very focused on carrying a defensive sidearm and your view of "gun rights" is clearly grounded on whether or not you can carry what/when/where you wish to.

But rankings of states' "gun friendliness" will also look at laws on possession, laws on gun sales, laws regarding "castle doctrine" and "stand your ground" issues, waiting periods, state preemption of gun law making, laws on open carry vs. brandishing, laws to protect shooting ranges and that cover discharge of weapons in public, safe storage laws, NFA firearms laws, theft reporting laws, special gun or ammo taxes -- and may even consider what the shooting community/experience is like in that place (e.g.: how many ranges, how many competition types and opportunities, how many FFL dealers, how many trainers or shooting schools, etc.) -- and a host of other related issues you may not care about or may never have heard of.

In ANY move you've got to consider the totality of the issues you care about and how a state's laws will affect your interests.

 

[HexHead]

Carry is permitted in TN state and local parks. The law regarding local parks being under local control was changed this year.

 

[MIL-DOT]

The few times I've had to drive to/through S.C. in the last 10 years, I had to stop on the Ga. side of the state line, and put my CCW in the trunk.
Annoyed the hell out of me, and I was surprised how vulnerable I felt.
It's absurd that there's no concealed-carry reciprocity between us and them ( though I wonder if that's since changed).

 

[ironworkerwill]

And northern Alabama near Huntsville has many IT jobs.

This is true! Huntsville is nicknamed " The Silicon Valley of The South", "Rocket City", and "Hunts-vegas".

 

[Salmoneye]

There's always Vermont...

 

[Jlr2267]

The process for ccw in SC is no different than most other states...take a ccw class (the duration of which is left to the instructor), pass the written test and range score and pay $50, renewable every 5 years by filling out the paperwork and paying renewal fee. SC is "shall issue."

There are a few places you cannot carry, and where if caught doing so could face serious legal consequence (up to 1 year in jail): police facility, churches (unless with consent of church leadership, whatever that means) schools, fed building, medical facilities (all places I try to avoid anyway). You can carry to places that serve alcohol but obviously cannot drink.

You can carry in state parks, and pretty much anywhere else.

The thing I find very unfriendly, which you did not mention, is that there is no open carry and revealing your sidearm, even inadvertently, can get you arrested. Also, there is a longstanding p*ssing match between GA and SC legislatures over reciprocity, therefore the 2 states don't have it. If you want to flirt with disaster, go fishing on Lake Hartwell (which borders both states) while carrying. Depending on which state you reside in and which state's resource officer you run into, you could be treated as a "good ole boy" or a felon.

I blame one legislator for the state of affairs here. He is head of the Judiciary committee and has tabled nearly all meaningful legislation seeking to address these problems...most recently killing a bill to recognize GA ccw and one to make open carry legal. The guy is a Republican too.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=1172727132

I have lived here 10 years and came from TN. It's not bad really, with the exception of no open carry and the GA reciprocity thing. No NFA restrictions, no mag limits, etc. With ccw there is no BG check on a firearm purchase, just do paperwork, pay and go. I'm hoping we can soon remove the clown blocking legislation and improve the state.

You are right that SC is not exactly "gun friendly" when it comes to concealed carry. Make sure to drop a note to our dear Senator and let him know why you are not moving here.

 

[shootniron]

Come to GA...very gun friendly...and you can carry that AR at the Capital building.

 

[yugorpk]

Ive lived in both and yes, the Northwest has a much more "liberal" gun culture despite some recent BG checks setbacks. Washington especially has a very prevalent carry culture and none of that silly training class nonsense or no gun zones.

Get yourself a Utah license and a SC license and you can travel into Georgia no problem. They'll still rake you over the coals when they pull you over and you are carrying but you'll walk away when they figure out your legal.

If you've never lived in the south have fun figuring out the culture. Not saying its bad , its just a LOT different.

 

[BSA1]

Despite, the reputation, Washington and Oregon seem to have better gun laws than a majority of states in the country.

You aren’t looking hard enough.

Kansas is very pro-2A. We have;

Conceal carry without a permit.

Optional conceal carry with a permit so we can carry out-of-state.

Open carry without a permit.

Transportation of unloaded and loaded firearms in vehicle compartment is legal.

Transportation of firearms in plain view in vehicle is legal.

Carrying firearm in businesses is legal unless it is posted.

Businesses posting no firearms signs must use a certain type of sign and it must be in a certain location. No hiding the sign behind so bushes.

Carrying a firearm into a business that has posted no guns signs is not a criminal offense.

Carrying a firearm in most government buildings is legal.

No ammo restrictions.

No magazine capacity limits.

No firearm limits.

NFA full-auto and silencers are legal.

Oh. We smile a lot, look you in the eye and say Hello and say Merry Christmas.

 

[BearW]

^^^. This is very true. KS is the way to go. It helps the governors brother is a pro gun fanatic.(among other things)

 

[oneounceload]

Florida isn't so bad either - we do not have open carry (hunting, fishing, camping excluded), but I feel that is over rated anyway. Can carry just about most places and can even have a drink if I want (just not at the bar). Our mountains most called overpasses, but we have green - BOY do we have green....and between the Space Coast, DOD-oriented businesses and the theme parks, LOTS of IT type jobs (Harris Corp, Lockheed, etc)

 

[Prince Yamato]

Usually, it's because someone lives in a state that's not California that they begin to think, "Oh! My state is great!"

The real rubric for me is (in no particular order):

1) Can I carry on Campus?
2) Can I carry and consume in places that serve alcohol?
3) Can I get NFA weapons easily?
4) Off-limits areas and penalties.

For a lot of the southern states, 1 and 2 are a negative and there's a lot of off limits places. People always retort with, "But Open Carry!" as if that somehow makes up for all the places that are no go. Or they'll say, "well, I don't go to XYZ place, then!" If all you do is go from your house to the store and back again, sure, 90% of the states are great. If you have a social life that consists of something other than the gun range and your local hardware store, then you begin to see that some of the "pro-gun" states really aren't all they're cracked up to be.

 

[Devonai]

I think South Carolina is gun friendly.

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[el indio]

From what I was told, SC doesn't accept GA carry permit is they don't have to take a class for their permit. Don't hold this a gospel,it's what a firearm dealer told me.

 

[Jlr2267]

From what I was told, SC doesn't accept GA carry permit is they don't have to take a class for their permit. Don't hold this a gospel,it's what a firearm dealer told me.

I think that has been the excuse given by SLED, but there is likely more to it

 

[maxxhavoc]

I think that has been the excuse given by SLED, but there is likely more to it

It's written in the law. From SC 23-31-215:

(N) Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored by this State, provided, that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to successfully pass a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. A resident of a reciprocal state carrying a concealable weapon in South Carolina is subject to and must abide by the laws of South Carolina regarding concealable weapons. SLED shall maintain and publish a list of those states as the states with which South Carolina has reciprocity.

There is a bill in process to amend the law to allow reciprocity with Georgia.

 

[Jlr2267]

It's written in the law. From SC 23-31-215:


There is a bill in process to amend the law to allow reciprocity with Georgia.

I believe that's the one being held up by the head of the Judiciary committee, no doubt at the behest of SLED, who also opposes reciprocity with GA.

 

[Theohazard]

For example, in Oregon you can open carry AR-15s right on the State Capitol in Salem. In Washington you can do the same, but with a conceaedl handgun license (I know doesn't make sense, but whatever).

It doesn't make sense because it's not true. In WA, carry laws don't even mention the open carry of rifles, but case law has clarified it as legal. Your Washington Concealed Pistol License allows you to carry a handgun concealed. It has absolutely zero to do with rifles.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050

 

[T2K]

SC is a good state overall for firearms owners. In particular, if you need to use one for self-defense.

However, you're right that, I comparison to many other states, our CC laws do provide quite a few restrictions. When I got mine, I was rather surprised by the places I couldn't carry.

 

[Evergreen]

It doesn't make sense because it's not true. In WA, carry laws don't even mention the open carry of rifles, but case law has clarified it as legal. Your Washington Concealed Pistol License allows you to carry a handgun concealed. It has absolutely zero to do with rifles.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050

Well, I appreciate learning this.. I never totally understood Washington's open carry laws, because I do not open carry much, except when I am out hiking in the wilderness. I think I may be confused with the open carry of handguns, which I have heard does require a concealed handgun license in Washington state. However, after reviewing the laws I see you can open carry without a license. I guess I have always heard mixed things about open carry in Washington. However, after living in Washington for 3 years, I have seen more open carry in the towns around here than any other place I have lived, even Idaho.

 

[Evergreen]

SC is a good state overall for firearms owners. In particular, if you need to use one for self-defense.

However, you're right that, I comparison to many other states, our CC laws do provide quite a few restrictions. When I got mine, I was rather surprised by the places I couldn't carry.

Well T2K, I am sure South Carolina is better than a lot of states and also has good self-defense laws in the situation where a person's life can be at risk. Although, some may argue, that even California may have better self defense laws than other states, considering they have Castle Doctrine. However, as Sam1911 mentioned earlier, I guess a state's rating of "gun friendliness" has a lot of factors, some that may not even affect gun owners in their day to day lives.

However, South Carolina has a few laws that are so bad, that I even think some of the so-called unfriendly gun states may not be so restrictive. The one law that really sticks out on me is the fact that in South Carolina you will be required to have written permission from entering any person's home if you are carrying a gun with you. Even though the law doesn't state written permission, I cannot see any other way a person could defend themselves in court, if a person decides to report them to the police, for whatever reason. Since your average Joe citizen now has the power to turn you into a criminal with a "illegal gun possession" type charge, which can even be a Class B Misdemeanor, it means you are risking your behind every time you go anywhere.

The No Gun Zone businesses and Open Carry restrictions are bad enough, but then allowing your average person to have the authority to turn you into a criminal is beyond belief. This more or less makes it impossible for a person to conceal a weapon safely and legally and just to be safe the person should just not carry at all or just be as any other criminal and be hush hush. I do see that South Carolina recently legalized conceal carry in restaurants that serve alcohol and bars, which is a step in the right direction. I'm glad to hear that some progress has been made in this respect.

I just rather not live in this type of America, being in constant fear of being a criminal for exercising 2A rights. Yes, maybe South Carolina is friendly with guns you can own, but considering that I would want to carry a gun for both protection and to exercise my freedoms, I would feel under constant threat and incriminated being in South Carolina. This goes against my moral principles and I cannot live happily in a place where my freedoms are so obstructed. I don't care if they let me own bazookas or RPGs, since being able to carry a gun for self-defense is much more important for me. Considering the crime in some South Carolina cities, the conceal carry laws would have more meaning to me than how hard it would be for me to own a full auto (as if I had that kind of money anyhow).

Also, I don't like that the government makes such rigorous restrictions to acquire a conceal handgun license. What's to stop them from making their training courses so challenging that it becomes almost impossible for anyone to pass them? As much as I appreciate people taking the time to do range training courses, as well as gun safety and legal courses, I do not think these should be government mandated, as owning and carrying a gun is your right and guaranteed by our Constitution. WIth that being said, these government course can be used as a weapon against the people and other governments in the world have utilized such "qualification" or training courses as a means to strip citizens of their rights. If the courses are too challenging for the average person to pass, then less people will be able to carry guns. However, the criminals, felons, thugs, gangbangers, etc who all carry guns don't bother going through these courses and getting conceal carry permits. This is a subject I have discussed with people in the past, but what checks and balances are there legally for the type of courses the state government subjects people to passing?

As far as the Georgia /SC reciprocity debate goes, I hear that Georgia recognizes SC , but not vice versa.


Anyhow, I am now making new assessment where I will live. It sucks about South Carolina, because it looks like a nice state, with lot of good scenery and decent people.

I have considered Huntsville, Alabama and was surprised to see how inexpensive and thriving the IT market is. I heard Alabama got rid of its "May Issue" CWLs system and now is "Shall Issue". I'll have to review the laws there and hope I don't find anything like I have in South Carolina.

I'm also going to consider moving to Georgia , which after reviewing its laws, looks to be as friendly, if not more gun friendly, than my home state of Oregon. Also, looking at Tennessee and North Carolina. From reviewing the laws of Tennnesse and North Carolina, they look pretty on par. The couple laws they have that suck are the "No Gun Zone" signs that have force of law and no religious institution carry, therefore Church/State are still intermingled and if another Dylan Roof or whoever comes around, I am just a sheep to be slaughtered during the religious service. Ironic, South Carolina, a state that bans church carry is where a church mass shooting took place?

I appreciate the responses here and I am glad to be learning the laws of different states of the country more deeply. I'm only hoping South Carolina, being a so called "Conservative/Gun Friendly" state can eradicate its unconstitutional gun laws. Then I may reconsider moving there.

 

[flphotog]

Both NC and SC have a few laws that make no sense to me but they have both loosened up a bit in the last couple of years. I'm in SC right now and haven't had any issues. I think FL beats both of the Carolina's but FL has a few issues as well but I think it's better in FL for the most part. GA is good as well.
My biggest grip about SC and NC is the stupid must inform issue. Legal Concealed Carriers are no threat to LEO and the BG's aren't going to inform no matter what the law is so it just makes no sense.