Jonah Patel
North Carolina is considering becoming the 30th US state to introduce constitutional carry, which would allow gun owners to carry their weapons in a concealed manner without a permit. Two bills have been filed in the state's House and Senate, both called Freedom to Carry NC, which would make the currently required training voluntary. The bills have the backing of some Senate Republicans, including President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, although it is unclear how much traction they will gain. If passed, North Carolina would join 29 other states that allow constitutional carry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of constitutional carry in NC | Not legal |
| Number of states that allow constitutional carry | 29 |
| Bills filed for constitutional carry in NC | House Bill 5 or the “NC Constitutional Carry Act”, Senate Bill 50 or “Freedom to Carry NC” |
| Sponsors of House Bill 5 | Reps. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort; Jay Adams, R-Catawba; Ben Moss, R-Richmond; and Brian Echevarria, R-Cabarrus |
| Sponsors of Senate Bill 50 | Sens. Danny Britt, R-Robeson; Warren Daniel, R-Burke; and Eddie Settle, R-Wilkes |
| Status of bills in the NC legislature | Uncertain |
| Minimum age to carry a concealed weapon in NC | 21 years |
| Requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit in NC | Complete a firearms safety course, meet residency requirements, and pass a background check |
| Minimum training hours | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
The Freedom to Carry NC bill
The bill has the backing of several Senate Republicans, including President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, who is listed as a co-sponsor. However, it is unclear how much support the bill will gain in the legislative chambers. The North Carolina Sheriff's Association, for instance, has stated that it will review the bill with its leaders before taking a position.
If passed, the Freedom to Carry NC bill would make North Carolina the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry. Proponents of the bill argue that it would simplify the process for gun owners and bring North Carolina's laws in line with those of its surrounding states. It would also make the currently required training voluntary.
The bill also includes provisions to authorize elected state officials to carry a concealed firearm while performing official duties if they have a concealed handgun permit. It is important to note that the Freedom to Carry NC bill is not identical to the House Bill 5, or the "NC Constitutional Carry Act," which contains similar but slightly different revisions to the state's concealed carry laws.
While some gun rights supporters have criticized the bill for not being "pure" constitutional carry, it nonetheless represents progress in the struggle to regain rights. Proponents argue that it would enhance personal protection and crime deterrence, pointing to statistics that show a decrease in crime rates in states with constitutional carry laws.
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The NC Constitutional Carry Act bill
The NC Constitutional Carry Act, also known as House Bill 5, was filed in North Carolina in 2025. The bill, if passed, would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, applying to everyone 18 and older. It would also authorize elected state officials to carry a concealed firearm while performing official duties if the individual has a concealed handgun permit.
The bill's lead sponsor, Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, explained that the bill aims to bring "constitutional carry" or permitless concealed carry to the state. He cited statistics from the FBI that show a decrease in crime rates in states with constitutional carry laws. Kidwell also argued that supporting the Second Amendment means backing constitutional carry.
The NC Constitutional Carry Act is not identical to the "constitutional carry" bill introduced in the Senate, Senate Bill 50, or "Freedom to Carry NC." However, both bills propose significant changes to the state's gun laws and have the backing of some Senate Republicans, including President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. It is unclear how much traction the bills will gain in the legislative chambers.
If passed, the NC Constitutional Carry Act would make North Carolina the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry, joining surrounding states like South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. This would simplify the process for gun owners and potentially impact how people purchase and carry firearms. Some gun sellers predict that more people seeking firearms for self-defense reasons would be encouraged to buy smaller firearms if constitutional carry became law.
The bill proposes several amendments to existing statutes, including GS 14-269, GS 14-409.40, and GS 14-415.4. It also adds requirements for US citizens over 18 years old to complete an approved firearm safety and training course to carry a concealed handgun. The specific criteria that would disqualify an individual from carrying a concealed handgun are outlined in the bill.
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North Carolina gun laws
North Carolina is a gun-friendly state, with both the federal and state constitutions protecting the right to bear arms. However, there are restrictions on who can carry a gun and where.
In March 2023, the North Carolina legislature overturned Governor Cooper's veto, passing a law that removed the requirement for a pistol purchase permit for state residents to buy handguns. This unified the process of buying handguns and long guns, which previously had different regulations.
North Carolina is a "shall-issue" state, meaning local sheriff offices are required to issue concealed handgun permits to applicants who meet the basic state law requirements. These include being a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, not having a disability that prevents the safe handling of a firearm, and not having been convicted of a felony or other specific crimes within three years of the application date.
It is illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, or with a permit in prohibited areas. Concealed carry is allowed in state parks, state and national forests, roadside rest areas, vehicles, and all areas not listed as off-limits. It is prohibited in law enforcement or correctional facilities, at protests or demonstrations, on private property that prohibits concealed handguns, and anywhere guns are prohibited under federal law.
In February 2025, state lawmakers filed two bills that would allow people aged 18 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. These are the Senate Bill 50, or the "Freedom to Carry NC" bill, and the House Bill 5, or the "NC Constitutional Carry Act". If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry.
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The impact on gun sales
As of February 2025, North Carolina lawmakers are considering two bills, Senate Bill 50 and House Bill 5, that would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry.
The impact of such legislation on gun sales is uncertain. One local gun seller predicts that if constitutional carry became law, more people seeking firearms for self-defense would be encouraged to purchase them. He also predicts that people will buy smaller firearms, such as smaller pistols, which are currently more popular. On the other hand, sheriff's offices across the state could see a change, with fewer people applying for concealed carry permits.
In other states, such as Florida, local gun store employees have reported an increase in sales following the introduction of constitutional carry laws. This has been attributed to people's desire to exercise their Second Amendment rights and to be more attentive to self-defense in response to rising crime rates. However, it is worth noting that some people are against such laws, as they believe they may potentially cause an increase in gun violence and put law enforcement at risk.
If North Carolina were to pass constitutional carry, it could potentially impact the types of firearms people purchase, with an increase in the demand for smaller and more easily concealable weapons. It is also possible that gun sales may rise as more people take advantage of the new law to purchase firearms for self-defense. However, it is difficult to predict the exact impact on gun sales, as there are various factors at play, including individual motivations for gun ownership and the potential for increased attention to self-defense in response to rising crime rates.
The impact on crime rates
As of February 2025, North Carolina lawmakers filed bills to allow for concealed carry without a permit in the state. The ""constitutional carry" bill introduced in the House and the ""constitutional carry" bill introduced in the Senate are not identical. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry.
The impact of constitutional carry on crime rates is a highly debated topic. Proponents of constitutional carry argue that it will deter violent crime and make society more polite. They believe that an armed society is a polite society, and that people have a God-given right to self-defense. Additionally, they point to the fact that many other states have already adopted constitutional carry without any significant issues.
On the other hand, critics argue that constitutional carry could potentially increase crime and violence, conjuring up visions of Wild West-era lawlessness. Law enforcement officials in many states, including Missouri and West Virginia, have publicly opposed permitless carry. They argue that removing the training requirement could be dangerous. However, it is important to note that the research on the impact of constitutional carry on crime rates is inconclusive. While some studies have shown that states with higher rates of concealed carry experience lower crime rates, other studies have found limited or inconclusive evidence of the impact on crime rates.
In North Carolina specifically, the potential impact of constitutional carry on crime rates is uncertain. While some gun sellers in the state predict that constitutional carry could encourage more people to purchase firearms for self-defense, it is unclear if this would directly impact crime rates. Additionally, it is worth noting that even if constitutional carry is legalized in North Carolina, the current concealed handgun permit system will remain intact, and individuals with recent DUIs, disqualifying crimes, or active substance addiction will still be restricted from carrying concealed handguns.
Frequently asked questions
Constitutional carry refers to the ability to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
As of February 2025, there are two bills, House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 50, that have been proposed to allow constitutional carry in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, it is legal to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, to carry a concealed firearm, a permit is required.
The proposed bills, HB 5 and SB 50, would allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, provided they are 18 or older.
