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Airgun law · United States
Are Airguns Legal in South Carolina?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.
Tier 3 — Moderate
Mainly age verification (typically 18+), with some local variance.
SC
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive South Carolina is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationSpecial category
Age rule18+ for sales
PossessionCarry restricted
Transfer / saleAge verification
TransportCased advised
PreemptionPartial preemption
Before you buy or sell
- Concealed carry of a pellet gun is a misdemeanor under § 16-23-20.
The rules in detail
Classification
Special category
Classified as a 'weapon' (not firearm). SC Code § 16-23-20: concealed carry of pellet guns is a misdemeanor.
Age rule
18+ for sales
Industry standard 18+.
Possession
Carry restricted
Lawful for adults; concealed carry is restricted.
Transfer / sale
Age verification
Standard sale.
Transport
Cased advised
Open transport in case is best practice.
Preemption
Partial preemption
Standard firearms preemption.
Hunting with an airgun
Pneumatic weapons allowed during firearms seasons only
Deer
Allowed with conditions
Allowed during firearms seasons only
Turkey
Allowed with conditions
Allowed during firearms seasons only
Small game
Allowed with conditions
Qualified; WMA small-game restrictions matter
Predators
Allowed with conditions
Allowed during firearms seasons only
Other big game
Allowed with conditions
Allowed during firearms seasons only
Keep exploring
Open the interactive mapSee how this compares across the map and switch between legal and hunting views.Find a place to shootAirgun-friendly ranges, flagged where confirmed.Ballistics toolkitCheck energy, velocity, and range for any airgun and load.Ammo databaseBrowse 600+ pellets and slugs by caliber and weight.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.