BoatBanter.com - Had to share this story

On 11/2/2014 11:03 AM, wrote:
On Sunday, November 2, 2014 10:35:46 AM UTC-5, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 11/2/2014 10:12 AM, wrote:
On Sunday, November 2, 2014 9:29:22 AM UTC-5, Mr. Luddite wrote:

For example, I've looked at the gun laws in South Carolina. All you
have to do is prove you are a resident and you can buy a gun. No
permit, no license, no safety course. Nothing. A permit is required if
you want to conceal carry however.

Well, not quite.

"Federal law requires federally licensed firearms dealers (but not private sellers) to initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to sale of a firearm. Federal law provides states with the option of serving as a state "point of contact" and conducting their own background checks using state, as well as federal, records and databases, or having the checks performed by the FBI using only the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System ("NICS") database. (Note that state files are not always included in the federal database.)

South Carolina is not a point of contact state for firearm purchaser background checks.1 In South Carolina, firearms dealers must initiate the background check required by federal law by contacting the FBI directly.

Federal law does not require dealers to conduct a background check if a firearm purchaser presents a state permit to purchase or possess firearms that meets certain conditions.2 As a result, concealable weapons permit holders in South Carolina are exempt from the federal background check requirement.3 (Note, however, that people who have become prohibited from possessing firearms may continue to hold state permits to purchase or carry firearms if the state fails to remove these permits in a timely fashion.).

South Carolina law states that a person must be a resident of South Carolina to purchase a handgun from a South Carolina dealer, and that the possession of a valid South Carolina driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles identification card constitutes proof of residency.4 A dealer may not sell a handgun without clear evidence as to the identity of the purchaser being furnished to the dealer.5

South Carolina does not require private sellers (sellers who are not licensed dealers) to initiate a background check when transferring a firearm."

So, that reads to me that I must be a resident, and will have a background check done on me unless I am a concealed permit holder.

Should I have to take a safety course to get a permit to buy a gun? I'm on the fence with that. One thing is for sure... requiring that would not have any effect on gun crimes. Criminals don't get permits or care about safety, right?

I asked my son about this a while back after he moved to SC. He seemed
to think all you needed was a driver's license to prove residency. He
had a concealed carry permit here in MA but he didn't bother getting one
in SC. He said you can have a handgun in your car in the glove
compartment or center console without a concealed carry permit.

From what you've said it sounds like a SC dealer does an "instant"
background check at the time of purchase like they do in Florida.

You and your son are correct, at least with my understanding of the state laws. This website has some really good info. It might be helpful especially since you are considering a move to our fine state!

http://www.charlestonlaw.net/handgun-carry-laws-south-carolina/

If you do move down here, I think you'll enjoy it. Great weather while still retaining the four seasons, and the Charleston area is nice and has some really outstanding restaurants. The natives are nice too!

My son and his family moved down there about 2 and a half years ago.
They have two girls, (one 16, one 10 or 11) and 3 year old twins ... a
boy and a girl. All of them love it down there.

Of all things, he decided to buy an existing liqueur store in the Mt.
Pleasant area where he lives. It was run down and not doing that well
so he applied and received the licenses required, bought the place and
completely renovated it. He turned it into more of a high-end, boutique
place with a sports theme and the place has become very popular, both
for locals and for boaters on the ICW looking to "stock up". His place
has won awards for the selection of booze available, the service and
it's unique atmosphere. Last year he was able to lease an adjoining
space and opened it exclusively for wine sales.