CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many people are talking about gun law reform after it was discovered the 18-year-old gunman in the Uvalde school shooting had access to an assault rifle.
A bipartisan group of senators is considering how Congress should respond to the shooting, restarting gun control talks that have broken down many times before. Some proposals include expanded background checks and red flag laws. WCNC Charlotte's VERIFY team looked into North Carolina's gun laws after receiving multiple questions from viewers.
OUR SOURCES
THE QUESTION
Can you buy a gun at age 18 in North Carolina?
THE ANSWER
Yes, you can buy a gun in North Carolina at age 18.
"In North Carolina, if you are 18 years old and if you are going to open carry a handgun, you can be permitted and licensed to carry that gun in the state of North Carolina," Mauney said.
However, if you want your concealed carry license, you must be at least 21 years of age, according to the Manning Law Firm.
THE QUESTION
Do you need a permit to get a rifle in North Carolina?
THE ANSWER
No, you don't need a permit to get a rifle in North Carolina
"For rifles, what they consider a long gun, anything that’s considered a long gun you do not have to have a permit in North Carolina," Mauney said.
While you don't need a permit for a long gun, which is considered a rifle or a shotgun, the Manning Law Firm outlines you do need a current North Carolina ID and must pass a government background check during the sale. The law states that you do need a permit in order to purchase a handgun.
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THE QUESTION
Do you need to register your gun in North Carolina?
THE ANSWER
No, you don't need to register your gun in North Carolina.
"In North Carolina, you don’t have to register your firearm," Mauney said.
While you don't need to register a gun, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or with a permit in prohibited areas.
VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.