Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo: What to Know Before You Visit

What Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo Offers

Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo is a retail firearms and ammunition shop in South Carolina that serves hunters, sport shooters, and people interested in firearm ownership. The store stocks firearms, ammunition, and related gear. Like other firearms retailers in the state, it operates under federal and South Carolina firearms laws, which means certain purchases require background checks and waiting periods.

If you're visiting for the first time, understand that buying a firearm involves more than walking in and leaving with a gun. Federal law requires a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. South Carolina also has a mandatory waiting period: you cannot take a firearm home the same day you purchase it.

The store also carries ammunition and accessories—items like holsters, cleaning kits, targets, and safety gear. Ammunition purchases do not require a background check in South Carolina, though the retailer may have their own policies about quantity or identification.

Key Takeaways

• Federal law requires a background check for all firearm purchases, which takes time and may result in a denial if you have certain criminal convictions or disqualifying factors.
• South Carolina law requires a waiting period between purchase and pickup, so you cannot take a firearm home on the day you buy it.
• You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to purchase a firearm, and you must be at least 18 for rifles and shotguns, or 21 for handguns.
• Ammunition and accessories like holsters and targets can usually be purchased without a background check, though store policies may vary.
• If you have questions about what you can legally own or carry in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or a local firearms instructor before visiting.

What You Need to Bring and Know Before Visiting

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or military ID. The retailer will record your information as part of the federal background check process. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase rifles and shotguns, or 21 to purchase handguns under federal law.

Know your state and local laws before you go. South Carolina is a constitutional carry state, meaning you do not need a permit to carry a concealed handgun, but some people still obtain a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) for reciprocity with other states or for other reasons. If you plan to carry, understand where you can and cannot carry a firearm—schools, federal buildings, and some private businesses prohibit firearms regardless of your permit status.

If you have a criminal record, domestic violence conviction, or active restraining order, you will likely be denied during the background check. If you are unsure whether you can legally own a firearm, contact SLED or speak with a firearms instructor before making a purchase.

How the Background Check and Waiting Period Work

When you purchase a firearm at Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo, the retailer submits your information to NICS, which checks federal databases for disqualifying factors. The check usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take up to three business days. If the check is delayed beyond three days, federal law allows the retailer to release the firearm, though South Carolina retailers typically wait for a clear result.

Even if your background check clears immediately, South Carolina law imposes a waiting period. You cannot take the firearm home the same day. The exact length of the waiting period depends on state law at the time of purchase—contact the store directly to confirm the current requirement.

If your background check is denied, the retailer will tell you why and provide information on how to appeal. Denials are usually based on felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, active restraining orders, or other federal disqualifiers. If you believe the denial is an error, you can request a reconsideration through NICS.

Ammunition and Accessories You Can Buy Without a Background Check

Ammunition does not require a federal background check in South Carolina, so you can purchase it without the waiting period that applies to firearms. However, the retailer may have their own policies—some stores limit ammunition purchases by quantity or require ID to verify age.

Accessories like holsters, gun safes, cleaning kits, targets, and hearing protection are also available without a background check. These items are useful whether you are a new gun owner learning firearm safety or an experienced shooter maintaining your equipment.

Safety Training and Instruction Options

Owning a firearm comes with responsibility for safe storage, handling, and use. Many firearms instructors in South Carolina offer courses on firearm safety, marksmanship, and legal carry. Some courses are required if you want to obtain a Concealed Weapon Permit, while others are purely educational.

Before you purchase a firearm, consider taking a safety course. Instructors teach proper handling, storage to prevent unauthorized access, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of gun ownership. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains a list of certified instructors, and many local shooting ranges also offer classes.

South Carolina Firearm Laws You Should Know

South Carolina is a constitutional carry state, meaning you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, you still cannot carry in certain places: schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and some private businesses post signs prohibiting firearms. Violating these restrictions can result in criminal charges.

If you own a firearm, you are responsible for storing it safely, especially if children or unauthorized users have access to your home. South Carolina does not have a mandatory safe storage law, but safe storage is a best practice and can protect you legally if someone else uses your firearm.

Transporting a firearm in your vehicle has specific rules. Handguns must be unloaded and not readily accessible, or you must have a valid Concealed Weapon Permit. Long guns (rifles and shotguns) must be unloaded and not readily accessible. Violating these rules can result in criminal charges even if you have no intent to harm anyone.

Getting to Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo

Father and Sons' Guns & Ammo is located in South Carolina, though the exact address and hours vary. Before visiting, call ahead or check their website to confirm hours, current inventory, and any store-specific policies on ammunition limits or special orders.

If you are new to firearms, the staff can answer basic questions about what is in stock and what the purchase process involves. However, they are not legal advisors—if you have questions about whether you can legally own or carry a firearm, contact SLED or a certified firearms instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks clear within minutes to a few hours. Federal law allows up to three business days. South Carolina law then requires an additional waiting period before you can take the firearm home. Contact the store for the current waiting period length.

Can I buy a firearm if I have a misdemeanor on my record?

It depends on the misdemeanor. Federal law disqualifies you only for certain domestic violence convictions and felonies. Other misdemeanors typically do not disqualify you, but state law may vary. If you are unsure, contact SLED before attempting to purchase.

Do I need a permit to carry a gun in South Carolina?

No—South Carolina is a constitutional carry state, so you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, some people obtain a Concealed Weapon Permit for reciprocity with other states or for other reasons. You still cannot carry in schools, courthouses, federal buildings, or private businesses that prohibit firearms.

Can I buy ammunition without a background check?

Yes. Ammunition does not require a federal background check in South Carolina. The retailer may have their own policies about quantity or age verification, but no waiting period applies to ammunition purchases.

What should I do if my background check is denied?

The retailer will provide information on why you were denied and how to appeal. You can request a reconsideration through NICS. If you believe the denial is an error—for example, if your record was expunged—you can provide documentation to support your appeal.