Columbia Limitation to handguns only ordinance (§ 13-62)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article III. Armed Guards and Security Guards
In short: Licensed armed guards on duty may carry only handguns, no rifles, shotguns or other projectile weapons, and only in these calibers: .9 MM, 10 MM, .40 Smith and Wesson, .45 ACP, .38 Special, .380, .357 Sig, .357 Magnum or 5.7×28.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
Armed guards licensed under this article are expressly prohibited from carrying, wearing or otherwise possessing a rifle, shotgun, or any other projectile-type weapon except a handgun while performing the duties of an armed guard.
All handguns used by armed guards shall be limited to the following caliber of ammunition:
(1) .9 MM.
(2) 10 MM.
(3) .40 Smith and Wesson.
(4) .45 ACP.
(5) .38 Special.
(6) .380.
(7) .357 Sig.
(8) .357 Magnum.
(9) 5.7×28.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-62
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.