Vincent posted some useful links in the North Carolina subforum. You should check some of them out:
http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f146/nc-legal-reference-guide-58264/
To buy a handgun in NC, you have to apply for a pistol purchase permit from the local sheriff. One permit allows you to purchase one handgun, two permits allow you to purchase two handguns, etc. and the seller will retain the permit.
Or you can get your CCP and use that to purchase handguns as well. It does involve a class and has some other requirements.
You don't need a pistol purchase permit to purchase a rifle, but there is a background check, etc. involved.
Different counties have different requirements, so if you have an idea what part of NC you are interested in, you can check county sheriffs' websites to see specific regulations for permits.
I don't know what kind of guns you have now, nor am I qualified to advise you about what kinds of guns you can bring here...but we're not California...
Hope this helps!