South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the mandatory waiting period for buying a handgun in South Carolina?

1. No waiting period

2. 3 days

3. 5 business days

4. 14 days

The correct answer is: No waiting period

In South Carolina, there is no mandatory waiting period for purchasing a handgun. Once a buyer passes the necessary background check, they can immediately take possession of the firearm. This policy differentiates South Carolina from some other states that impose waiting periods to allow for additional time to conduct background investigations or to help prevent impulsive acts of violence. The absence of a waiting period reflects South Carolina's approach to gun sales, which enables purchasers to complete their transactions swiftly after meeting all required legal stipulations. This means that as long as all legal criteria are met, including proper identification and a background check, a buyer can obtain their handgun without delay.