State guides for selling firearms right-arrow South Carolina

Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 26, 2026

Sell Your Gun in South Carolina - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.

We buy used firearms statewide — Charleston to Columbia — and provide a fair market offer through a fully licensed, online process. Instead of navigating local shops or private buyers, we handle the shipping, paperwork, and support so you can sell with confidence from anywhere in South Carolina.

Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our South Carolina-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.

Trusted by 39,500+ sellers · 830+ Google reviews · Over $4.4M paid out to users

Sell a gun in South Carolina without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches

We Buy Guns purchases firearms from private sellers using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.

Our 100% U.S. based team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction.

We specialize in assessing and buying high-value collections and estates from South Carolina residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.

We Buy Guns has puchased
238 firearms from sellers across South Carolina through our streamlined, fully licensed online process.
Dedicated support

No matter where you are located in South Carolina, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status.

No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.

Major South Carolina metros we serve

If you can ship a package within South Carolina, you can sell directly to us.

Firearm sellers across South Carolina
  • Charleston
  • Columbia
  • Greenville
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Spartanburg
  • North Charleston
  • Mount Pleasant
  • Rock Hill
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Summerville
  • Goose Creek
  • Florence
  • Aiken
  • Anderson
  • Greer
  • Clemson

We service all of South Carolina. If you need cash for guns in Charleston, a fast firearm valuation in Columbia, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Myrtle Beach, we will handle the entire process for you, legally and safely.

How to legally sell a firearm in South Carolina

Learn how to legally sell a gun in South Carolina — what options you have, when an FFL is required, and how to do it safely and compliant with state and federal rules.

store Licensed Dealer Transfer (FFL)

Most private and estate sales route through a licensed dealer to ensure background checks and paperwork are handled correctly. This is required in interstate sales and highly recommended for documented compliance in state-to-state deals.

private sale Private Sale (Direct Transfer)

You may sell a firearm directly to another individual in South Carolina so long as you confirm eligibility and both parties understand federal and state compliance rules. This option suits sellers who already know the buyer and can complete the transaction safely.

Selling online to a licensed dealer Sell online to WeBuyGuns.com

Selling to a federally licensed online buyer offers a streamlined process with documented offers, insured shipping, and clear compliance steps. We handle the majority of process steps for you — from offer to payment.

Many South Carolina sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.

Our process for South Carolina firearm sellers

WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help South Carolina sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.

If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.

Evaluating Gun
16 cloud upload Tell us what you have
Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
star-rate Get an offer
Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
16 comments Ship legally
If you accept our offer, we’ll generate prepaid shipping labels and provide clear instructions for securely packaging and shipping your firearms.
16 currency dollar Get paid
Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Compliance note: firearms are transferred and processed through our Federal Firearms License (FFL). If your item has special considerations (NFA items, inherited firearms, unusual configurations), we’ll walk you through what applies and what to expect before you ship anything.

Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?

Call us at (317) 804-8713

Secure, compliant and trackable from start to finish

box-3d-67
Safe, secure and handled for you
Firearms ship directly from you in South Carolina to our licensed FFL in Indiana. We cover the shipping cost and provide clear packing instructions to ensure everything arrives safely.
virtual-assistant-2
White-glove logistics from start to finish
We generate your prepaid shipping labels and guide you through each step, including packing, labeling and drop-off, so the entire process stays simple, stress-free and legally compliant.
touch-id
Compliance handled on your behalf
We maintain all required federal records and guide you through the legal steps, so once your firearms arrive, responsibility transfers fully to our licensed facility.

Our track record

We are trusted by firearm sellers nationwide

Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.4 million to users on our platform.

Sellers on the platform
39,500+
Paid out to sellers
$4.4 Million
We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including South Carolina
Fast nationwide service
All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
Licensed FFL with a class 3 SOT

What our most recent customers have to say

Mike
Mike
★★★★★   Jan 28, 2026
Legit. Classy place with tons of knowledge. 10/10. Great experience.
scot miller
scot miller
★★★★★   Jan 26, 2026
Quick and easy. Thanks!
Mark Czyzewski
Mark Czyzewski
★★★★★   Jan 25, 2026
I was skeptical about selling a gun online, but was pleasantly surprised. The experience was straight forward without any surprises. I definitely recommend We Buy Guns and this is coming from a senior citizen.
Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson
★★★★★   Jan 24, 2026
My experience was good and had no problems. Communication was clear and on time. Payment came through quickly and as stated. I hope someone enjoys the item I sold to them.
Michael Montes
Michael Montes
★★★★★   Jan 24, 2026
I just sold two rifles to We Buy Guns. The process has been excellent, and payment is prompt. I will use them again!
Laurin Dugas
Laurin Dugas
★★★★★   Jan 24, 2026
Go read how We Buy Guns takes care of the whole process of purchasing your firearm. Every thing they said, they came through with including a strong, fair price. They give you a quote, you choose to accept or decline. If you accept, they provide the shipping label. Once they inspect the firearm and if everything is the way you described it, you get paid what they offered either straight into your account or by check. They really make it easy, hassle and worry free and provide a printable bill of sale. Smooth and quick transaction from end to end. Paid within 2 business days. I’ll be sending them roughly 12 more firearms because they have established trust with me! Louisiana boy, out.
State and federal law considerations
Updated: January 26, 2026

State and federal laws for selling a gun in South Carolina

This section highlights a few common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in South Carolina. It is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by firearm type, buyer eligibility and local rules.

If you are unsure how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact our team for help navigating the process.

Quick checklist
  • checkbox-checked ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
  • checkbox-checked Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
  • checkbox-checked Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
  • checkbox-checked Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
  • checkbox-checked Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding South Carolina firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in South Carolina.
South Carolina identification and residency checks

Identification and residency checks

Even when a transfer is lawful, it is smart to confirm who you are selling to. In dealer-assisted transfers, government-issued ID is part of the intake process.

  • Confirm the buyer is who they claim to be and is a South Carolina resident for an in-state private transfer
  • If the buyer is out of state, route the transaction through a licensed dealer to stay compliant
Background checks and dealer transfers in South Carolina

Background checks and dealer transfers

South Carolina does not generally require a background check for a purely private in-state transfer under state law, but federal rules still apply and some situations must go through an FFL.

  • Use an FFL when selling to an out-of-state buyer or when you want a formal transfer record
  • Selling to a licensed buyer online means the receiving dealer handles the compliance steps on intake
Prohibited persons considerations in South Carolina

Do not transfer to prohibited persons

Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of people and South Carolina law also restricts possession in specific circumstances. If you have any doubt about eligibility, do not proceed with a private sale.

  • If anything feels off, stop the sale and use an FFL if you still want to proceed
  • Keep basic documentation of the transaction for your own records
South Carolina waiting periods and timing considerations

Waiting periods and timing

South Carolina does not have a general statewide waiting period for private transfers. Dealer sales follow standard federal procedures and timing can vary based on the background check process.

  • If you want extra protection, use an FFL and complete the transfer through the dealer process
  • When selling online to a licensed buyer, we provide clear instructions so you know what happens next
Age and transfer rules in South Carolina

Age and transfer rules

Age rules vary based on firearm type, transaction type and whether a dealer is involved. South Carolina also has restrictions related to unlawful possession and transfers in certain circumstances.

  • Confirm the buyer is legally eligible before transferring any firearm
  • If you are unsure how age rules apply to your firearm, use an FFL or ask our team for guidance
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.

South Carolina residents must follow federal laws for private transactions

Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.

ATF
Disclaimer:

The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.

South Carolina firearm selling FAQs

These are the most common questions we hear from South Carolina sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.

Is it legal to sell a firearm online in South Carolina? +
In most cases, yes. A legal online sale is typically completed through a licensed buyer (FFL) with documented transfer steps. WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer and we provide clear shipping instructions so the sale is handled properly from start to finish.
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
Offers are based on the make and model, configuration, condition and current demand. Photos help us account for details that change value like optics, magazines, accessories, modifications, finish wear and matching parts.
What firearms can you buy from South Carolina residents? +
We buy most common categories including handguns, rifles (including machine guns) and shotguns. If your item is unusual, older, inherited or has special rules (like NFA items), tell us up front and we’ll confirm what applies before you ship.
Do I need an FFL in South Carolina to ship my firearm? +
Most sellers do not need their own FFL to sell to a licensed buyer. The key is following the shipping instructions provided for your specific item. We guide you on what to include, how to label the shipment and what documentation is required for a compliant transfer.
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
Yes. If you accept an offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and step-by-step instructions. You are responsible for packaging the firearm securely, then shipping it according to the provided guidance.
How long does the process take from South Carolina? +
Timing depends on how quickly you can send photos, accept the offer and ship the firearm. Once the firearm is received, we confirm the details and issue payment using the method selected during checkout. We use expidited shipping for all firearms.
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in South Carolina? +
Inherited collections are common. Start by sharing a list of items or photos. We can help identify what you have, explain what affects value and guide you through the compliant sale steps so you feel confident about the process.
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
A quick list works great: make, model, caliber, condition and any included accessories. We cover all neccessary items on our offer form. Photos of both sides, the serial area and any markings help us avoid assumptions and price it accurately.
Have a specific question about selling in South Carolina? We’ll answer it before you commit to anything.
Start your free offer
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