Very Permissive
South Carolina Gun Laws 2026
South Carolina gun law rating: F (Very Permissive). Ranked #46 out of 50 states for gun law strength. Key policies: permitless carry (Yes), red flag law (No), assault weapons ban (No).
F
Overall Grade
#46
State Rank (strength)
Permitless Carry: Yes
Constitutional Carry
Red Flag: No
ERPO Law
Key Gun Law Provisions
| Provision | Status |
|---|---|
| Permitless (Constitutional) Carry | Yes |
| Red Flag Law (ERPO) | No |
| Assault Weapons Ban | No |
| Universal Background Checks (private sales) | No |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | None |
Overview
South Carolina passed permitless carry in 2023. The state has minimal gun regulations despite Charleston church shooting (2015, 9 killed at Emanuel AME Church) generating significant national attention.
2026 Political Impact
The Emanuel AME Church shooting (2015) briefly created pressure for gun reform, but South Carolina passed minimal measures. Dylann Roof\'s attack led to the Confederate flag being removed from the state capitol, but not gun reform.