Suppressors and Ghost Guns: What You Need Know about Custom Guns in North Carolina

This month I want to discuss some common questions involving customization of your gun.

Suppressors

A common question we’re often asked is if suppressors are legal in North Carolina. Suppressors are legal in North Carolina, but there is a process to legally purchase one. You must fill out a form for the ATF and pay a $200 tax payment. In addition, you must also receive approval from the sheriff in the county in which you live. Most sellers will help you with the process and the forms to legally obtain a suppressor.

Trigger Pull

Another common question is whether it is a mistake to alter your trigger pull to make it easier to fire. Some people worry if they are involved in a self-defense situation and forced to use their gun, a prosecutor or police officer will argue the light trigger pull makes your actions illegal. The important thing to remember is if you are entitled to act in self-defense, meaning you have a reasonable belief you’re facing imminent death or serious bodily harm, it does not matter how light your trigger pull is and you’re entitled to use deadly force. You should feel comfortable selecting the trigger pull right for you and your safety.

Bump Stocks and Ghost Guns

Finally, some customization features have been prominent in the news and you may have questions about the legality of some items. Bump stocks have now been classified by the ATF as machineguns and are therefore illegal to own or purchase. There are some pending lawsuits, but for now those items are illegal. Items known as ghost guns, which are commonly defined as “guns manufactured by an owner, without a serial number” are legal to possess. However, it is not illegal in North Carolina to make your own handgun.

You can expect there may be changes in law on these and other customization issues in the future.

If you have any questions regarding customization of your firearm and what is legal in North Carolina, contact U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.

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