Navigating North Carolina’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in North Carolina. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for North Carolina
Summary: North Carolina has permissive gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no bans on assault weapons or magazines, no waiting periods or red flag laws, and partial background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
69% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in North Carolina
North Carolina currently has no state-level ban on assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in North Carolina
North Carolina does not impose magazine capacity limits at the state level. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina has no specific state laws regulating ghost guns (unserialized firearms). Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in North Carolina
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- North Carolina is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in North Carolina
North Carolina does not mandate a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) in place. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in North Carolina
Requirement Level: Weak (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: North Carolina enforces basic safe storage rules, often related to preventing child access.
Background Checks in North Carolina
North Carolina requires background checks for some firearm sales, such as handgun transfers or sales at gun shows. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in North Carolina
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in North Carolina, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have specific state-level bans on particular types of firearms beyond federal law. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in North Carolina
- North Carolina v. Guess (2018): Firearm possession restrictions
- State v. Whitaker (2016): Concealed carry laws
- North Carolina v. Green (2020): Felon gun rights
- Grass Roots NC v. Cooper (ongoing): Emergency gun bans (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on North Carolina’s Gun Laws
From a Second Amendment standpoint, Husky Armory finds North Carolina’s gun laws, rated at 69/100, offer a mixed landscape for gun owners. While North Carolina has permissive gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no bans on assault weapons or magazines, no waiting periods or red flag laws, and partial background checks—the presence of certain restrictions, like waiting periods or background checks, can still impede the full realization of those freedoms. We advocate for a careful balance, but believe North Carolina could take further steps to align more closely with the unalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Reducing bureaucratic hurdles, such as easing carry permit processes or eliminating unnecessary delays, would better honor the Second Amendment’s intent. North Carolina has the potential to become a leader in protecting gun rights, but it must resist the creeping influence of anti-gun policies that often masquerade as public safety measures. True safety comes from empowering citizens, not disarming them.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
