I don't live in SC, but in MN, AR-15s are classified as an "assault weapon" not assault rifle and their sale falls under the same restrictions as a handgun. Unlike non-assault weapon long guns, which you only have to be 18 to buy, you must be 21 to purchase a handgun in MN and either possess a valid Permit to Carry, or go through a 5-day waiting period to purchase. You get a card to carry after the check which is good for a year, during which, you can purchase as many handguns or assault weapons as you like. Due to the federal instant background check that is required for any firearm purchase, MN is considering eliminating the 5-day waiting period, but only to save money in these difficult financial times. We are still not allowed to possess or use suppressors or class-3 weapons other than ones which qualify as C&R (go figure). While that infuriates me, our family budget is eternally grateful.
Every state has their quirks. Look at shotgun zones for deer hunting. Some make no sense whatsoever. You can hunt with many centerfire caliber pistols in a shotgun only zone, like a .30-06 Contender, but don't dare get caught with that caliber in a rifle, in a shotgun only zone. There's talk of that one coming up for legislative consideration also.
The wife's watching CNN as I type this. They just reported that firearms were a big mover this Christmas. The FBI reported over a million and a half background checks in the past week because of it.
Everyone enjoy your presents. Our biggest present in MN is the unseasonably warm and snow-free weather we're experiencing. I actually got to go and test fire my 260 Remington barrel for my LAR-8 on Christmas eve. Now that a few of us debunked the allegation by RRA that you can only use their barrels on their LAR-8, my next caliber may well be a .338 Federal. Turns out DPMS LR-308 barrels fit like a glove. I picked one up for $210.00. However, getting 260 ammo to cycle reliably from a FAL magazine took a bit of tweaking.
Hoot