Free Book on Gun Laws in South Carolina

What Is in Our Free Book on Gun Laws in South Carolina?

Whether you own a handgun, carry one for protection, or are thinking about buying your first firearm, South Carolina gun laws can be hard to sort out. Who is allowed to own a gun? Where can you carry it, and when does the law allow you to use it to defend yourself? Where can you find clear answers without paying for them?

Quick Answer: You can download our free book, Gun Laws in South Carolina – Piecing It All Together, written by Charleston attorneys Stephan Futeral and Thomas Nelson. It explains who may legally own a firearm, carrying and concealed weapons rules, concealed weapons permits and reciprocity, the Stand Your Ground law, the use of deadly force, and weapons offenses and penalties. The book is available as a PDF for any device or on Apple Books, at no cost and with no sign-up required.

Who Wrote Gun Laws in South Carolina, and Why?

Stephan Futeral’s and Thomas Nelson’s eBook, “Gun Laws in South Carolina – Piecing It All Together,” is available for FREE on Apple Books or as a PDF. Based on over 55 years of their combined experience, Stephan and Thomas wrote this book in easy-to-understand terms to explain the laws and your rights in South Carolina when you own, carry, or use a firearm. If you own a weapon such as a handgun or if you have a Concealed Weapons Permit, then this book is a MUST READ.

Stephan and Thomas are the founding attorneys of Futeral & Nelson, LLC, a Mount Pleasant law firm that has served clients throughout the Charleston area since 2003. Their criminal defense practice includes weapons charges and cases where a client acted to defend themselves or others.

What Topics Does the Book Cover?

The book covers the law from the day you buy a firearm to the moment you might have to use it. The table below groups its chapters by subject. Click any linked chapter to read a related article on our blog.

Which Format Should You Download: Apple Books or PDF?

The book is available in two formats, and both are free. Choose the one that fits the device you plan to read on.

How Current Is the Information in the Book?

The current edition is Version 2.5, updated April 9, 2024. South Carolina gun laws change over time through new legislation and court decisions, including the rules for carrying a handgun.

No book can account for every recent change or for the specific facts of your situation. Before you make decisions about carrying a firearm or responding to a weapons charge, talk with a South Carolina attorney about how the current law applies to you.

Is the Gun Laws in South Carolina Book Really Free?

Yes. Both the PDF and the Apple Books edition are completely free. You do not need to give us your email address or fill out a form to download the book. The Apple Books edition downloads through your Apple account like any other free book.

Does the Book Explain South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground Law?

Yes. The book explains the Protection of Persons and Property Act, which is often called South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law. It also covers when the law allows the use of deadly force and how self defense and the defense of others work.

These cases depend heavily on the facts, including where the incident happened and whether you had a right to be there. If you are facing charges after defending yourself, get legal advice as soon as possible.

Does the Book Cover South Carolina’s 2024 Permitless Carry Law?

Yes. In 2024, South Carolina began allowing adults who can legally possess a handgun to carry it openly or concealed without a concealed weapons permit. The book explains how this change works alongside the existing permit system.

Permitless carry does not mean you can carry a gun anywhere. Many places are still off limits, and a concealed weapons permit can still be useful, such as when you travel to states that honor South Carolina permits.

Can a Book Replace a Lawyer?

No. The book gives you a solid foundation in South Carolina gun law, but it is general information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts, including where the firearm was, how it was carried, and what happened before it was used.

A lawyer can apply the law to those facts, deal with prosecutors, and protect your rights in court. If you need help, contact our office to discuss your situation.