What Are Some Important Gun Laws In Winston-Salem?

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

Winston Salem’s gun laws govern the residents’ purchase, ownership, and use of guns and ammunition. The county sheriff’s office in Winston-Salem is responsible for issuing all firearm permits. Applications for purchasing permits, which can take up to 30 days to process, include a question about the application justification.

A recent study estimated that 390 million weapons were in use in the U.S. in 2018. However, there is a lot of misunderstanding and disinformation about guns in Winston-Salem. These include who can carry a firearm, when and where, and even what firearms are permitted. Therefore, read on to learn more about Gun laws in Winston Salem.

Who Can Legally Own a Gun in Winston-Salem?
Any person at least 18 years old can buy and possess a shotgun or rifle, and anybody who is at least 21 years old can purchase and possess a handgun. However, you are not permitted to own or carry a gun if you:
• Possess a conviction for domestic violence, a misdemeanor gun assault, or a felony
• Do not possess American citizenship
• Are found to be mentally ill by a court
• A felony that would prevent you from possessing or carrying a gun is pending your trial
• Have a protective order for domestic violence against you
• Keep a dishonorable military discharge

Open Carry and Concealed Carry Laws
There are various conditions for carrying a gun in Winston-Salem.

Open Carry
Open carry is the practice of having a firearm in plain view. Anyone above 18 who is not barred from owning a gun may openly carry it. However, it is prohibited for anybody to possess or openly carry a handgun within a city-owned or operated building or motor vehicle.

Concealed Carry
In Winston-Salem, carrying a concealed weapon is similarly legal. However, there are more restrictions. It is forbidden for anybody to carry a concealed weapon near any of the following:
• City recreational facilities
• City-owned or maintained buildings

Where are Guns Prohibited in Winston-Salem?
There are several locations where carrying guns in Winston-Salem is prohibited, regardless of your permit or legal standing, which include:
• Courthouses at the federal and state levels, prisons, and several other government structures
• Schools, activities supported by schools, and school buses
• Private property with posted signs restricting concealed carry, open carry, or all firearms
• Picket lines and demonstrations.
• Public spaces, such as parks and recreation facilities

What Guns are Legal in Winston-Salem?
The laws restricting the possession of firearms and ammunition are limited in Winston-Salem. Finding a licensed, reliable gun store that sells genuine and used guns is essential. Certain weapons and ammunition, however, are not allowed until ATF regulations are in effect. Examples of specific items that are restricted include:
• Suppressors, including silencers
• Machine guns.
• Fully automatic firearms

Don’t Hesitate to Arm Yourself Today
The benefits of gun ownership are numerous. The apparent advantages of carrying a gun are defense and safety. However, it would help if you found gun regulations before buying guns in Winston-Salem.