South Carolina Gun Company: What to Know Before You Visit

South Carolina Gun Company is a retail firearms dealer in Columbia

South Carolina Gun Company is a firearms retailer located in Columbia that sells handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. The shop operates as a licensed dealer and handles the federal paperwork required for firearm purchases in South Carolina. If you are planning to buy a gun in the state, understanding how this type of retailer works—what they stock, what the purchase process involves, and what documents you will need—helps you prepare before you walk in.

The shop is situated on Devine Street in Columbia's midtown area, making it accessible to residents across the Midlands. Like all federally licensed firearms dealers in South Carolina, South Carolina Gun Company must follow state and federal law, which means every transaction includes a background check and a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina Gun Company is a licensed firearms retailer in Columbia that sells handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition to customers who meet state and federal requirements.
• Every firearm purchase requires a federal background check and a three-day waiting period under South Carolina law, regardless of whether you have a concealed carry permit.
• You will need a valid photo ID and proof of residency to purchase a firearm; South Carolina residents and out-of-state buyers have different rules about which firearms they can purchase.
• The shop stocks inventory that changes, so calling ahead to ask about specific models or ammunition types can save you a trip.

What You Need to Bring to Make a Purchase

Before visiting South Carolina Gun Company, gather your documents. You must present a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. The ID must show your current address or you will need to bring a second document proving where you live, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are a South Carolina resident, you can purchase any firearm the shop has in stock, provided you pass the background check. If you are from out of state, federal law restricts you to rifles and shotguns only; handgun sales to non-residents are prohibited. The dealer will verify your residency status during the transaction.

Bring cash or a card—most retailers accept both. Some shops offer layaway or payment plans, but policies vary by location, so calling ahead at the shop's number can clarify what they accept.

How the Background Check and Waiting Period Work

When you purchase a firearm from South Carolina Gun Company, the dealer submits your information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a federal database that screens for disqualifying factors. The check typically completes within minutes, but the dealer cannot hand over the firearm for three business days under South Carolina law—this is a mandatory waiting period that applies to all purchases, even if you hold a concealed carry permit.

The three-day clock starts the day after you complete the paperwork. Weekends and state holidays do not count toward the waiting period. So if you purchase on a Friday, the earliest you can pick up is the following Wednesday. The dealer will tell you the exact pickup date and time when you complete the sale.

If the background check is delayed beyond three days, the dealer may release the firearm after the waiting period expires, even if the check is still pending. This is rare but possible. If the check comes back as a denial, the dealer will not release the firearm and will explain the reason.

Ammunition and Accessories Available

South Carolina Gun Company stocks ammunition for common calibers, though availability changes based on demand and supply. Popular rounds like 9mm, .45 ACP, .223, and 12-gauge shotgun shells are typically in stock, but less common calibers may require a special order.

The shop also carries accessories such as holsters, cleaning kits, targets, and safety gear. If you are looking for something specific—a particular brand of ammunition, a holster for your model, or hearing protection—calling ahead saves time. Staff can tell you what is on hand and whether they can order something if it is not currently available.

Concealed Carry Permits and South Carolina Law

South Carolina does not require a permit to carry a concealed handgun, a policy known as constitutional carry. This means you can legally carry a concealed handgun without a permit from the state. However, many gun owners still obtain a South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit through their county sheriff's office because it simplifies travel across state lines—other states recognize South Carolina permits even if they do not recognize constitutional carry.

Having a concealed carry permit does not waive the three-day waiting period when you purchase a firearm from South Carolina Gun Company or any other dealer. The waiting period applies to all purchases. A permit does speed up the background check process slightly in some cases, but the mandatory three-day hold remains in place.

Hours, Location, and Before You Go

South Carolina Gun Company is located on Devine Street in Columbia. Hours vary by day, so checking their website or calling before you visit ensures they are open when you plan to stop by. Many gun shops close on Sundays or have limited weekend hours, so planning ahead prevents a wasted trip.

The shop is in an urban retail area with street parking and nearby businesses. If you are unfamiliar with the location, using a GPS or map app with the shop's address will get you there accurately. Bring your documents, know what you are looking for, and allow time for the paperwork—the entire transaction typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What Happens If Your Background Check Is Denied

If your background check comes back as a denial, the dealer will not release the firearm. Federal law prohibits firearm sales to people with certain criminal convictions, active domestic violence restraining orders, felony drug convictions, and other disqualifying factors. The dealer will provide you with information about why the check was denied and how to appeal the decision through the FBI.

If you believe the denial was made in error—for example, if you share a name with someone else who has a disqualifying record—you can request a reconsideration. The process involves contacting the FBI's NICS section and providing documentation to clear your name. This can take weeks or months, so do not expect an immediate resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a gun from South Carolina Gun Company if I have a misdemeanor on my record?

Most misdemeanors do not disqualify you from purchasing a firearm. Federal law prohibits sales only to people convicted of felonies or domestic violence misdemeanors. The background check will reveal your record, and the dealer will know whether you are prohibited. If you are unsure, ask the dealer before you start the paperwork.

Do I have to wait three days if I already own guns?

Yes. South Carolina's three-day waiting period applies to every firearm purchase, regardless of how many guns you already own or whether you hold a concealed carry permit. There are no exceptions based on prior ownership.

Can I buy a handgun from South Carolina Gun Company if I live out of state?

No. Federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling handguns to out-of-state residents. You can purchase rifles and shotguns if you are from another state and have valid ID, but handguns must be purchased through a dealer in your home state.

What if I fail the background check and want to try again?

You cannot immediately repurchase the same firearm. If your check was denied, you must resolve the issue through the FBI's appeal process before attempting another purchase. The dealer can explain the next steps, but the process is handled at the federal level, not by the shop.

Does South Carolina Gun Company do gun transfers from other dealers?

Many gun shops accept transfers—firearms purchased online or from out-of-state dealers and shipped to a local dealer for pickup. Call South Carolina Gun Company to ask whether they offer this service, what their transfer fee is, and how long the process takes. Not all dealers do transfers, so confirming ahead of time matters.