North Carolina citizens enjoy some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States, which please gun advocates wanting to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
North Carolina does require a background check before issuing a license to buy a handgun, except when purchasing a long gun from an unlicensed seller. The state also allows the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50-caliber rifles, and large capacity ammunition magazines.
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Firearms dealers throughout the 10th most populous state aren't significantly regulated, nor is a limit placed on the number of firearms they may sell at any one time.
The state also doesn't require firearm owners to report lost or stolen weapons, regulate unsafe handguns, or limit ammunition sales, nor give local police discretion to deny a license to carry firearms.
"I'm committed to make sure that the Second Amendment is not infringed on in any way, shape, or form," U.S. Senator from North Carolina Richard Burr told
WRAL.com, in a March 27, 2013 Q&A. "And I don't buy the president's argument that an assault weapon was made to hunt. No, an assault weapon was made to allow an American to defend themselves and their property -- the exact reason the Second Amendment was created by our founding fathers. ... Anything we would do to limit the American people to have that right protected would be an infringement to the Second Amendment.
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For his tireless efforts to lessen restriction, Burr has received an "A" grade from the National Rifle Association for his career voting records on gun issues.
On a national scale, the nonprofit Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence — an organization dedicated to ending gun violence in America —
awarded North Carolina an "F" grade, based on a self-conducted national review of state laws in 30 different weapon-related areas. The organization awarded points for having what it considered "effective legislation" in each policy area, with more points awarded for tougher laws.
A final letter grade touted the state's overall strength or weakness. More than half of the 50 states received an "F," including South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Arizona. California was one of five states to receive the highest grade, along with New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws of your state and destination before travel.
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