Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in South Carolina for civilian use, provided they comply with state firearm laws and local ordinances. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) classifies blank-firing devices as “antique firearms” exempt from NFA regulations, but municipalities like Charleston and Columbia may impose additional restrictions on public discharge.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in South Carolina
- State Preemption Law (S.C. Code § 23-31-510): Local governments cannot regulate blank-firing guns beyond state law, but counties may restrict discharge in public spaces under noise ordinances.
- Age and Purchase Restrictions: Buyers must be 18+; private sales require no background check, while licensed dealers must verify age via SLED’s e-Check system.
- Discharge Prohibitions: Discharging blanks within 500 feet of a residence, school, or public building violates S.C. Code § 16-23-460, with penalties up to $500 and 30 days imprisonment.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts under SLED’s Firearms Regulation Review Board mandate retailers to log blank-firing gun sales in the state’s Uniform Crime Reporting System, aligning with federal ATF guidance on “curio and relic” exemptions. Violations of discharge ordinances in municipalities like Greenville or Mount Pleasant may trigger municipal citations, though state preemption limits local enforcement to noise and nuisance violations. Always verify county-specific rules, as some jurisdictions classify blank-firing guns as “destructive devices” under local public safety codes.