South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam 2026 - Free Gun Law Practice Questions and Safety Study Guide

The minimum age requirement to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer in South Carolina is 21 years old. This regulation aligns with federal law, which also mandates that individuals must be 21 or older to buy handguns from licensed dealers. The age restriction is put in place to ensure that individuals who purchase handguns have reached a certain level of maturity and responsibility. It reflects the belief that this age group is more equipped to handle the responsibilities and legal implications associated with firearm ownership.

In South Carolina, while individuals can own rifles and shotguns at the age of 18, the law distinctly specifies that handguns require the individual to be at least 21 for legal purchase from dealers. This differentiation underscores the state's approach to regulating firearm access based on the type of weapon.