It's a common misconception that you have to have a permit or paper of some kind in order to carry a gun. North Carolina does not have any form of registration or ownership permit, nor is there any paperwork required to possess a firearm. The two types of permits are a purchase permit (good for the purchase of one pistol) or a concealed carry permit. The gun isn't really "under" anyone's name, and the only record associated with that gun is at the dealer where it was originally purchased involving the sale. North Carolina also does not put any kind of burden on private sellers to maintain any sort of paperwork regarding firearms that have been sold. While the State does require either a purchase permit or a copy of a CCW to be given during a transfer, after the sale is complete, there is no law regarding maintaining any kind of paperwork.
I say all that to say this: you're under no burden to prove where the pistol came from, and if you're 18, possession of a handgun is 100% legal. Open carry is also 100% legal at 18, the only stipulation is that you must follow the same rules as concealed carry as far as where you can and can't carry. The only real downside is you're prohibited from purchasing any ammunition from a federally licensed dealer.
emphasis is mine and IANL.
so young LE, you are stating your perception from a context of the statutes there are no mandates for a PRIVATE seller to maintain the buyer's PPP or copy of the CHP as there is not mandate for the buyer to ask for a bill of sale from the seller. REAL WORLD: Who in their right mind would not request a PPP or copy of the CHP from the buyer. Conversely, what idiot wouldn't request a BoS from someone selling a firearm? Darn lad, i even make my relatives get and keep PPPs and provide bill of sales when we transfer firearms so everyone is protected.
this novel concept is called CYA in the real world as if you, the buyer, are discovered with a stolen firearm you will undergo the scrutiny of the local law enforcement agency as well as possibly the BATF. I sure as hell would want to be able to clear myself quickly to end the scrutiny and the seller's BoS does that quite nicely. On the converse side, i as the seller of an originally purchased firearm from an FFL would want to be able to show i followed NC statutes in requiring appropriate document from the buyer in the event i come under LE scrutiny due to the buyer misusing the firearm i sold.
OH...if the firearm is actually stolen, you have lost your firearm and yes w/o a BoS you can not go to small claims and file claim against the seller to recoup you cost!
now, why do LE's take firearms from citizens who are not young but say over their age of majority, you know middle aged etc., at say traffic stops and such, 'besides of course for officer safety' and then manage to run the firearm's serial number to see if it is stolen? you are right (NOT) citizens do not have to provide any sort of documentation to prove to LE i am the legal owner of my firearms during stops.
my advice, based on the above logic, to the OP about carrying the PPP or BoS from their caregiver was to provide a readily available and easily recognizable (by LE standards) documentation to thwart (not preclude mind you) hassling while OC's < 21 from needless harassment (sarcasm) by LE folk they are carrying a legally acquired firearm.
Finally, your advice about ammo is lacking. individuals under 21 are not permitted to purchase
handgun ammo from any FFL, WalMart, Gander Mtn, Joe's gun shop, or, or, or. Rifle ammo is permitted to be sold to those over 18 yet under 21.
ipse
