Understanding South Carolina’s Gun Laws: What Firearms Owners Need to Know

In the Palmetto State, the Second Amendment has long held a significant place in our hearts and culture. From outdoor hunting traditions to everyday self-defense, responsible gun ownership is an essential part of life for many South Carolinians. However, recent discussions and coverage, including the article on “Myrtle Beach Gun Laws: Can You Carry a Firearm?”, have prompted fresh concerns about local firearm restrictions and their impact on law-abiding citizens. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, our mission is to keep our community informed, trained, and prepared. Let’s dive into what you need to know about carrying firearms in Myrtle Beach and the broader meaning for South Carolina gun owners.

Myrtle Beach Firearms Rules: What Has Changed?

While South Carolina law allows open carry with training and concealed carry permits, recent police statements out of Myrtle Beach highlight a troubling trend: selective enforcement and local ordinances that could confuse even the most responsible gun owners. According to officials in Myrtle Beach, carrying a handgun on city property—including parks and certain public areas—could still lead to confrontation or arrest, despite the state’s preemption law that should prevent local governments from passing gun laws more restrictive than the state’s.

Let’s be clear: South Carolina state law permits open carry with training. A crucial development from 2021, the Open Carry with Training Act, allows permit holders to carry their firearms openly, as long as they comply with state regulations. However, Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock raised eyebrows when she emphasized that the city has tools in place to “manage firearm violations,” an intentionally vague statement that provides little clarity—but plenty of concern for pro-Second Amendment advocates.

Double Standards and Unnecessary Confusion

Statements by city officials suggest that carrying a firearm legally might still cause law-abiding citizens to face unnecessary scrutiny. This flies in the face of the very constitutional protections guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Why should a marine veteran carrying lawfully be treated with suspicion while violent criminals are often given shorter sentences or rehabilitative leniency?

Here lies the core argument: instead of focusing on criminals who actively break the law, local authorities appear more inclined to entrap law-abiding citizens through technicalities and unclear language.

Chief Prock’s comments alluded to firearms being confiscated from people walking through “city-owned property,” prompting a dangerous assumption that local ordinance can override state and constitutional rights. This sets a terrible precedent that threatens the rights of responsible firearm owners not just in Myrtle Beach, but across the state.

Why Firearms Training is Essential in Today’s Landscape

Given this complex and often confusing legal environment, we at Fortress Firearms Training believe there has never been a more critical time to obtain professional firearms training. Knowing not only how to handle your firearm, but also where and when you can legally carry it, is an indispensable part of responsible gun ownership in South Carolina.

Our courses emphasize:

• State and Federal firearms laws
• Defensive shooting skills and tactics
• Real-world situational awareness
• Proper firearm storage and maintenance
• Legal use of force and self-defense principles

Don’t let bureaucratic red tape and unclear city policies stand in the way of your right to defend yourself and your family. Training up and staying informed is your best defense—not only physically, but legally.

Can You Carry a Firearm in Myrtle Beach? Technically Yes, But…

So, back to the question posed by the article “Myrtle Beach Gun Laws: Can You Carry a Firearm?” The legal answer is yes—as long as you have the proper Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) and follow South Carolina’s state laws on where firearms are allowed. That said, local enforcement may complicate matters by citing city properties or vaguely defined “gun-free zones,” even when those designations contradict state laws.

According to the article, nearly 150 guns were confiscated in 2023 during peak tourism seasons in Myrtle Beach. Shockingly, many of those cases involved travelers who held legal permits in their home states but were unaware of the nuances in South Carolina’s carry laws. Instead of prioritizing education, authorities seem content with seizing firearms and working backward from “probable cause.”

The Bigger Picture: A Strategy of Confusion

Unfortunately, this isn’t just about Myrtle Beach. Increasingly, cities nationwide use a fractured patchwork of local ordinances to trap gun owners in technical violations. This method undermines both Second Amendment rights and public trust.

We should be asking ourselves: Why are law-abiding citizens being punished for exercising their constitutional rights? Isn’t the real danger posed by unregistered and illegally acquired weapons in the hands of criminals—not the responsibly armed parent walking with their family through a public park?

South Carolina: A Stronghold for Gun Rights?

Fortunately, most of South Carolina continues to support and preserve gun rights. From the Open Carry with Training Act to the legal protections offered under our state’s preemption laws, South Carolina residents can still enjoy strong protections when it comes to firearm ownership and usage. But vigilance is key—the fine print in places like Myrtle Beach can erode those rights piece by piece if we remain passive.

Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned veteran, understanding the landscape—especially in urban and tourist-heavy areas—is essential. Don’t fall victim to unclear or politically motivated restrictions.

Empower Yourself With Training and Knowledge

At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re not just about marksmanship—we’re about freedom, responsibility, and community defense. We’ve proudly trained hundreds of students throughout South Carolina who now exercise their 2nd Amendment rights with confidence and legal clarity.

When you train with us, you gain:

• Certified instruction for your concealed weapons permit
• Advanced courses in defensive tactics and home protection
• Support from a veteran-led team that understands firearms and freedom

In a time when local governments and national leaders continue pushing restrictive gun control measures, it’s more important than ever that responsible citizens remain informed, trained, and unafraid to stand on their rights.

So, the next time you’re wondering “Can you carry a firearm in Myrtle Beach?”—remember this: Yes, you can. But only if you’re prepared, informed, and willing to stand your ground.

Don’t wait until your rights are challenged. Sign up for a course today and become a confident, capable, and legally protected member of your community.