South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

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Are silencers legal in South Carolina?

  1. Yes, without restrictions

  2. Yes, with special permits

  3. No, they’re illegal

  4. Only for law enforcement

The correct answer is: Yes, with special permits

In South Carolina, silencers, or suppressors, are legal to own, but they are subject to federal regulation which includes the requirement for a special permit. This is governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA), which stipulates that individuals must go through a registration process, which involves submitting an application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), paying a tax, and potentially undergoing a background check. Only after approval from the ATF can an individual legally possess a silencer. State laws can complement federal regulations, but in South Carolina, these devices are indeed permissible for civilian ownership as long as the necessary federal legal steps are completed. This requirement for a special permit recognizes the need for regulation surrounding potentially noisy firearms while still allowing responsible ownership.