South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of background check system does South Carolina use for firearm purchases from licensed dealers?

1. NICS

2. SLED

3. State-only

4. No background check is required

The correct answer is: NICS

South Carolina utilizes the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for firearm purchases from licensed dealers. NICS is a federal system designed to determine whether a potential firearm purchaser is eligible to buy a firearm under federal law. When someone attempts to purchase a firearm, the dealer contacts NICS, which checks available databases for any prohibiting factors such as felony convictions, restraining orders, or mental health issues. This system ensures that firearm sales are vetted against a comprehensive set of criteria, which includes both federal and state law prohibitions. Adopting the NICS process provides a uniform standard that applies to all states, thereby enhancing public safety by preventing prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms through licensed dealers. In South Carolina, although additional state requirements may exist through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the primary mechanism for checking eligibility during a dealer transfer is through the NICS. Understanding this system is crucial for anyone engaging in firearm purchases or sales in the state.