STATE
NORTH CAROLINA GUN LAWS
North Carolina’s weak gun laws put its residents at risk. Lawmakers must do better to reduce gun violence in their state and save lives.
Scorecard Grade
In 2023, North Carolina repealed background checks and permits for handgun purchases. In 2024, North Carolina had the 19th highest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 1,801 people die from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every five days. Fifty-four percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 42% are gun homicides. In North Carolina, the rate of gun deaths increased 30% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.
EXPLORE NORTH CAROLINA’S GUN LAWS
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
What North Carolina Does Well
- Certain domestic violence gun laws
- Child access prevention laws
- Some concealed carry permitting and safety training standards
What North Carolina Is Missing
- Universal background checks
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Minimum age restrictions
- Some domestic violence protections
- Firearm relinquishment laws
- Large capacity magazine ban
- Assault weapon restrictions
- Open carry regulations
- Community violence intervention funding
SPOTLIGHT
GUN VIOLENCE STATISTICS
Explore facts, figures, and original analysis compiled by our experts. To end our gun violence crisis, we need to better understand where, how, and why violence occurs.
Learn More
JOIN THE FIGHT
Nearly 47,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. In communities, courts, and ballot boxes nationwide, GIFFORDS fights to save lives from gun violence. Will you join us?