South Carolina Repeals ‘One-Gun-A-Month` Law

FAIRFAX, VA -- After three-decades, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce that the South Carolina Legislature has voted to repeal the current "one-gun-a-month" law, which has limited the rights of law-abiding citizens by prohibiting firearm purchases and establishing a 30-day waiting period between purchases. HB 3442 is now headed to Governor Mark Sanford.

"NRA is pleased that the people of South Carolina will no longer be subject to this unreasonable gun rationing law-- a law that has only affected honest gun owners and has never had any impact on crime," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. "Gun rationing laws set a bad and unconstitutional precedent that government can limit the frequency with which a law-abiding citizen may exercise a constitutionally-protected right. If governments can limit law-abiding citizens to one gun a month, they can extend it to one gun a year, one-gun a lifetime, or no guns at all."

"One-gun-a-month" laws have been tried in South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and have failed in all three states. After South Carolina imposed its law in 1975, violent crime soared in both New York City, the supposed beneficiary of the law, and in South Carolina. In the 1990`s, violent crime declined nationally, but rose in Washington, DC, the supposed beneficiary of Virginia`s law. Maryland imposed its law in 1998, yet it has the highest robbery rate of any state, and Baltimore`s homicide rate is among the worst of all major U.S. cities.

"On behalf of tens of thousands South Carolina NRA members, gun owners and sportsmen, I want to thank the Senators and Representatives who supported this bill and Governor Sanford for acting to abolish this senseless law," added Cox. "Additionally, I would like to single out the efforts of several key lawmakers who ensured passage of this reform including Representatives Bill Sandifer and James Harrison, and Senators Hugh Leatherman, Glenn McConnell, and John Hawkins. The Second Amendment is stronger today thanks to the efforts of all those in South Carolina and across America who stand up to preserve freedom."

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The 133-year-old National Rifle Association is the nation`s oldest civil rights group, and advocates enforcement of existing laws to prosecute and punish violent criminals. The NRA is the leader in teaching gun safety and promoting marksmanship. The Association has approximately four million members across America.