​Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a concealed weapon on your person in public. Weapons may be carried on your body, in a holster, or in an off-body purse, backpack, or other concealment accessory. There is actually no federal law concerning the concealed carry of firearms. Some states limit concealed carry permits to handguns, while other allow electronic weapons, clubs, and knives. The concealed carry permit process varies by state, so the following information may only apply to South Carolina residents. In South Carolina, a concealable weapon means a firearm of less than 12” in length, which may be carried openly on one’s person or in a manner hidden from the public eye.
The first step in acquiring your permit is making sure you meet state-specific and federal requirements. South Carolina is a shall-issue state, which means that if you pass all the requirements, you are issued a weapon permit. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will issue a concealed weapon permit only to South Carolina residents who are at least twenty-one years of age, and who are not prohibited by law from owning a firearm. You will also need a completed and signed application, a current full-face photograph, proof of residence, proof of actual or corrected 20/40 vision, proof of training, payment of fifty dollars, and a complete set of fingerprints (unless impossible through a verified medical condition).
The next step is to complete a concealed carry course. Bravo1 Protection offers CWP training with an originally-developed curriculum that covers the permit and application process, firearm safety, use of deadly force, situational awareness, self-defense myths, and much more, all the way up to the actual firearms test. For the average individual, our training will cost $65, but there are other prices for veterans and groups. Our classes can be held in our location or yours, but all firearm portions are held at our outdoor gun range in Taylors. The classroom sessions will last for six hours, and the firearm test will last for two.
After you have successfully completed your firearms test, you should complete and submit your application. It can take between seven days to six months to obtain your CWP, and until you physically have it in your possession, you may not carry a concealed weapon. In South Carolina, you must abide by private property “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” signs, which prohibit both open and concealed carry.
Lastly, you will want to stay up to date on gun laws and your shooting skills. Make sure to renew your permit as required by state law, and always remember the golden rule of guns—safety first.