South Carolina Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of South Carolina. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in South Carolina for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statutes, S.C.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. South Carolina has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. South Carolina Code § 16-23-520 provides that wearing body armor during the commission of a violent crime adds a mandatory minimum of 5 years, consecutive to the underlying sentence.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALSouth Carolina Code of Laws § 16-23-460 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are considered a deadly weapon and illegal for civilians.
Possession
Illegal to possess.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment up to 3 years.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in South Carolina with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
South Carolina allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under Act 244 of 2021, effective August 17, 2021. Non-residents still require a permit. Certain locations remain restricted.
Permitless Carry Rules
Residents 21+ may carry concealed without a permit; non-residents must have a valid permit.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to constitutional carry.
Penalties
Violations of restricted areas or carrying by prohibited persons can lead to criminal penalties.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in South Carolina with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in South Carolina with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in South Carolina without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. In 2021, South Carolina passed a law allowing for open carry with a permit.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
South Carolina allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without state-imposed restrictions on concentration or container size. There is no age restriction, but misuse can lead to criminal charges under assault laws.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry for self-defense.
Purchase
No state restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
Misuse can result in assault charges.
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in South Carolina. South Carolina does not impose additional state restrictions on suppressors beyond federal law.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal registration and tax stamp under the NFA.
Dealer Availability
Sales must comply with federal NFA requirements; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal requirements are met; otherwise federal penalties apply.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21+ for NFA items).
South Carolina law does not specifically prohibit switchblades or automatic knives. Possession, sale, and carry of switchblades are legal under state law, with no special restrictions or prohibitions.
Possession
Legal to possess and carry.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in South Carolina. A recent bill, H.3530, was introduced to require state and local law enforcement agencies to adopt and maintain a written policy on the use of tasers.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+