Is Open Carry Legal in South Carolina?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, open carry is legal in South Carolina with a valid Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP). You can openly carry handguns in most public places where concealed carry is permitted.
What This Means for You
South Carolina allows open carry for CWP holders, meaning you need the same permit whether you're carrying openly or concealed. This differs from constitutional carry states where open carry might be permitted without any permit. The same locations that prohibit concealed carry also prohibit open carry.
The Detail
South Carolina operates under a shall-issue permit system where open carry is tied directly to your CWP status. If you have a valid South Carolina CWP or a permit from a reciprocal state, you can legally open carry a handgun in public. Without a CWP, open carry is prohibited except on your own property.
The restrictions for open carry mirror those for concealed carry. You cannot open carry in government buildings, schools, courthouses, polling places during elections, or establishments that derive more than 50% of their revenue from alcohol sales. Churches are off-limits unless you have specific permission from the church leadership. Federal properties follow federal law regardless of state permissions.
Open carry in vehicles requires the same CWP as concealed carry. Without a permit, you can transport an unloaded firearm in a vehicle if it's secured in a closed glove compartment, console, or trunk. The ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm.
South Carolina does not have specific laws requiring retention holsters or other equipment standards for open carry, but using proper retention gear is strongly recommended. Some local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, though state law generally preempts most local firearms ordinances.
Build Impact
Your holster selection becomes more important with open carry since retention and presentation speed matter more when the firearm is visible. Consider builds optimized for duty-style holsters rather than deep concealment setups.