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Gun shop Charleston, South Carolina

Order online, pick up at a licensed dealer in Charleston County. Charleston is a historic port where Lowcountry marsh meets the Atlantic. Its shooters deal with humidity and salt, and many keep a shotgun for ducks on the rice-field impoundments.

Charleston, Charleston County, SC
CountyCharleston
LicensesSouth Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Hunting zone
Public rangeAbout 80 mi

How buying a gun in Charleston works

Pick an FFL dealer near you that accepts shipped transfers and name it at checkout. We confirm their license and ship the firearm to them. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door where South Carolina law allows.

South Carolina has no purchase permit, no registration and no waiting period; a dealer sale needs ATF Form 4473 and the NICS check. Federal ages apply at a dealer: 21 for handguns and 18 for long guns. Online orders ship to the South Carolina FFL you choose.

Dealers in these communities all work for Charleston-area buyers:

  • Mount Pleasant
  • North Charleston
  • Summerville
  • James Island
  • Goose Creek
  • Hanahan
  • Johns Island
  • Ladson

Carrying a gun in Charleston County

Since March 2024, adults 18 and older who may legally own a handgun can carry openly or concealed in South Carolina without a permit. The optional Concealed Weapons Permit from SLED still helps with reciprocity. Schools, courthouses, police offices and posted private property remain off limits.

Hunting near Charleston

South Carolina sets deer seasons by Game Zone; the coastal zones open in mid-August and the upstate mountain zone later in the fall, with most zones closing January 1. Rifles, shotguns, handguns and muzzleloaders are legal in gun season. Check SCDNR rules for your county.

Charleston County is a coastal Game Zone with an early deer season; Francis Marion National Forest is close by.

Hunt clubs in the Lowcountry and Francis Marion National Forest nearby draw deer and waterfowl hunters.

Public shooting ranges near Charleston

These public ranges are run by or with state wildlife agencies and are good places to zero rifles and practice drills between matches. Hours, fees and rules vary; check each range page before you go.

Source: State wildlife agency public range lists, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.

Duck & turkey shotguns for Charleston

Shotgun guide →

Deer rifles for Charleston

Hunting guide →

Buying a gun in Charleston: common questions

Can I buy a gun online and pick it up in Charleston?

Yes. Order here, name a licensed FFL dealer in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Charleston or anywhere in Charleston County, and we ship the firearm to them. You fill out ATF Form 4473 at their counter and they run the background check.

Do I need a permit to carry in South Carolina?

Not since March 2024 for eligible adults 18 and older. The SLED permit is optional.

Is there a waiting period in South Carolina?

No. Only the federal background check.

Where can I practice near Charleston?

SCDNR runs public ranges across the state; see the list on this page.

Can I use my 3-gun shotgun for ducks near Charleston?

Yes, if it is plugged to three shells and you use non-toxic shot, with the right licenses and stamps.

What does an FFL transfer cost in Charleston?

Each dealer sets its own fee, commonly $20 to $75. Call before you order to confirm the price and that they accept firearms shipped from an online store.

Nearby cities

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More buying guides

General information, not legal advice. Rules current as of September 2026. See our buying guide and check with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or a local attorney about your own situation.