North Carolina law

[Sullyman]

I may be moving to North Carolina (Charlotte area). I am not concerned about concealed carry. I'm wondering a possessing long guns shot guns and hand guns. What about transporting them to and from a range or hunt. Any restrictions or things I should know??

 

[fletcher]

For possession:
There are no unusual restrictions on long guns. If you're 18, you get them.

For handguns, you must be 21 to own, 18 to possess. To purchase, you must obtain a pistol purchase permit (Thank you, Jim Crow laws) from your local sherriff, or obtain a CCW permit. This applies to both retail and FTF sales.


For transportation:
A handgun must be carried openly, which means it must be in plain view or it must be under at least 2 "layers" or steps to access (the latter is not written anywhere, but the rule of thumb to differentiate between open and concealed). For example, you can't carry it in an unlocked glovebox, but you can if it's locked (one step to unlock, one step to open). Open carry may be prohibited by local governments, so best to keep it in a gun case or range bag to transport unless you have a CCW permit.

Long guns - there's really no rule on transporting. I just put it in the case and toss it in the back seat or trunk.


In this state, even if you aren't concerned with CCW to carry, it's good to get it anyways because it counts as a NICS check, it's insurance against carry/transportation problems, and you don't have to deal with those pesky pistol purchase permits.

 

[Waitone]

Carrying in the car it is best to make a pistol completely visible. On the dash is not unacceptable. It may cause blissninnies a case of the vapors but LE will give you a thumbs up.

I second getting a CCH. It simplifies transportation to a great extent.

 

[misANTHrope]

Carry permit is worth it just to skip the damned purchase permits.

 

[B.D. Turner]

Charlotte is the arm pit of NC you need to buy several guns if you intend to live there.

 

[gc70]

I may be moving to North Carolina (Charlotte area).

Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) is well known for having a more bothersome processfor handguns than surrounding counties. My son got his CHL in a neighboring county in less time than it took one of my coworkers to arrange for the "interview" to get a CHL application in Charlotte.

Be aware of county lines when you are looking for a place to live. A very substantial part (if not the majority) of residential growth in the Charlotte area is actually in the five surrounding counties.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Yeah. That's good advice.
With a new Sheriff in office, I have yet to apply for anything from his administration regarding firearms, so I have no personal experience to give regarding his stance.
Tune into the Charlotte news before you move here and watch the crime/murder stats and events.

I was born in Charlotte, but it's a completely different place than when I left in 1990 and returned in 07. Can't wait to leave again and stay gone for good.

 

[Citroen]

Try across the state line!

If you do not "have" to live in NC, before moving to the People's Republic of Mecklenburg, take a drive to Fort Mill, SC or to Lancaster, SC. Fort Mill has great schools and South Carolina law is much more "gun friendly" and less "career criminal friendly" than NC - especially Charlotte.

My company moved across the stateline 10 years ago. I still commute, unfortunately due to some family issues but I spend much of my time and my money in SC.

JOhn
Charlotte, NC

 

[JustDave]

Hello all, first post figured I jump in on this one. Straight from the NC DOJ website.

Part 3,Section A
Whether, in a given case, a weapon is concealed from the public, is a question of fact to be resolved by a jury. By using the phrase "concealed about his or her person," this law makes it illegal to have a weapon concealed not only on a person, but also within a person's convenient control and easy reach.

Part 3, Section D
Transporting Weapons
Given this general prohibition of carrying concealed weapons, individuals must be ever vigilant to ensure their particular situation cannot be construed as concealing a weapon, either on or about them, without being properly authorized to do so with a valid North Carolina, or recognized out-of-state concealed handgun permit.

Therefore, the permittee's accessibility to the weapon is of prime importance. It is for these reasons, that when transporting a weapon in a vehicle, even greater care must be exercised to ensure that the weapon is not concealed, and within the ready access to an occupant of the vehicle. North Carolina law does not specifically address how to transport a weapon in an automobile.

Therefore, the central question becomes: when is the weapon concealed and readily accessible to an occupant of an automobile? Obviously, a weapon would be concealed and readily accessible, and therefore in violation of North Carolina law, if it were placed in such areas of a vehicle as under the seat of the automobile; in a bag in the back seat; or in some other manner is covered or hidden within the easy reach of an occupant of the vehicle. It is our recommendation that firearms should not be carried in a glove compartment regardless of whether the compartment is locked or not.


While a weapon carried openly in an automobile would not be concealed, there are other problems specific to this method of carrying a weapon. The principal drawback, of course, is in the event of an individual being stopped by a law enforcement official, the officer may not readily know that individual's purpose and intent for carrying a weapon. As such, it is imperative that an individual immediately notify an officer of the presence of any weapon in the automobile, for the officer's and the vehicle's occupants' safety. Another obvious drawback is that a valuable weapon may be in plain view for potential thieves to see.The prohibition to carrying concealed weapons applies not only to handguns and other weapons commonly thought of as being easily hidden, but also to "long guns" as well. Therefore, shotguns and rifles concealed behind the seat of pickup trucks, and elsewhere in other vehicles, could similarly violate North Carolina law.

 

[Caliber0]

As in the post above, readily accessible is the key term. A weapon in the trunk of your car would not be considered concealed. I was taught in my CCW class to always think of that term.

 

[Zach S]

Basicly the law says "concealed and readily accesable," so if its a PITA to get to you should be fine.

 

[Waitone]

NC transportation laws was the immediate cause of me applying for a CHP. I simply did not want the hassle of dealing with LE while I was honestly and honorably trying to go to the freakin' range.