South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

How long does a person have to wait after purchasing a handgun before they can take possession of it in South Carolina?

1. There is no waiting period

2. 3 days

3. 14 days

4. 30 days

The correct answer is: There is no waiting period

In South Carolina, there is no mandatory waiting period for individuals to take possession of a handgun after purchase. This means that as soon as the transaction is completed and the appropriate background check is conducted, buyers can take their firearms home immediately, as long as they pass the necessary checks. This approach is aligned with the state's belief in the right to bear arms and emphasizes the principle that law-abiding citizens should not face arbitrary delays in exercising that right. Other waiting periods mentioned in the choices do exist in some jurisdictions or under specific circumstances, but in South Carolina, the law permits immediate possession after purchase, reflecting the state's regulations regarding firearm transactions.