South Carolina § 23-31-510 - Firearm or ammunition, local regulation prohibited; discharge on landowner's own property.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-510 — Firearm or ammunition, local regulation prohibited; discharge on landowner's own property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-31-510. Firearm or ammunition, local regulation prohibited; discharge on landowner's own property.
No governing body of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision in the State may enact or promulgate any regulation or ordinance that regulates or attempts to regulate:
(1) the transfer, ownership, possession, carrying, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, components of firearms, or any combination of these things; or
(2) a landowner discharging a firearm on the landowner's property to protect the landowner's family, employees, the general public, or the landowner's property from animals that the landowner reasonably believes pose a direct threat or danger to the landowner's property, people on the landowner's property, or the general public. For purposes of this item, the landowner's property must be a parcel of land comprised of at least twenty-five contiguous acres. Any ordinance regulating the discharge of firearms that does not specifically provide for an exclusion pursuant to this item is unenforceable as it pertains to an incident described in this item; otherwise, the ordinance is enforceable.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 532, SECTION 2; 2008 Act No. 220, SECTION 1, eff May 21, 2008.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment designated item (1) and added item (2) relating to discharge on a landowner's own property.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 23-31-510
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-510 cover?
Section 23-31-510 ("Firearm or ammunition, local regulation prohibited; discharge on landowner's own property.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 23-31-510?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-510" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 23-31-510 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.