The following is a video transcript.
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.
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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.
You can expect there may be changes in law on these and other customization issues in the future.
If you have any questions regarding the customization of your firearm and what is legal in North Carolina, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.
Can you double check the suppressor part of your story? I don’t think you have to have the sheriff’s approval anymore but do have to notify them you are getting one. I think that was changed in 2013.
Hello Lloyd,
Thank you for pointing this out as the law was changed in 2015. From the Sheriff having to sign an application for a suppressor, the law was changed by ATF rule 41F to a simple notification requirement.