Research North Carolina state laws on state right to bear arms, including what's regulated and what's not. No state permit is required to purchase a rifle or shotgun.A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Want to learn more about the basics of open and concealed carry gun laws in North Carolina? Here is a detailed overview about gun laws in NC. For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site. The legislative, executive, and supreme judicial powers of the State government shall be forever separate and distinct from each other. Sec. 7. In 2023, North Carolina repealed its permit to purchase handguns—a fundamental requirement the state had in place for over a century. Lawmakers must do better to reduce gun violence in their state and save lives. In North Carolina, anyone over the age of 18 can purchase and own a rifle or a shotgun and can purchase and own a handgun if they are over 21.