North Lanarkshire Shooting Range Co-Manager Faces Gun Conviction

The co-manager of a controversial shooting range in North Lanarkshire has a firearms conviction linked to a serious breach of gun safety regulations. John Prunty, who co-manages Recoil Scotland in Shotts, was found guilty after police discovered a shotgun and ammunition in his car boot during a search in October 2023. The conviction raises significant concerns amid a growing trend in “practical shooting” activities, which critics argue may foster an American-style gun culture in Scotland.

Prunty, 39, pleaded guilty to breaching the conditions of his firearm certificate at Airdrie Sheriff Court in June 2024, resulting in a fine of £360. His management of Recoil Scotland, where high-powered weapons are used against human-shaped targets, has drawn sharp criticism from anti-gun activists and families affected by gun violence. Jack Crozier, whose sister Emma was killed in the 1996 Dunblane shooting, expressed deep concerns about Prunty’s involvement in the shooting organization. He stated, “A man convicted of mishandling a firearm has no business running a shooting organisation.”

Critics argue that shooting ranges like Recoil Scotland normalize firearms use, posing risks to public safety. Crozier emphasized the need for stringent evaluations, asserting that “this activity poses a threat to participants and local communities.” Gill Marshall-Andrews, chair of the Gun Control Network, echoed these sentiments, calling for urgent legislative measures to address the threats posed by practical shooting activities.

The shooting range operates under a legal loophole that allows it to function with reduced regulation, especially concerning firearm types. Clubs can set up practical shooting operations on private land without requiring oversight from police, government, or local authorities. This means that individuals without experience or licenses can participate in shooting activities, raising alarm among safety advocates.

Before his conviction, Prunty reportedly worked as a safety range officer with the United Kingdom Practical Shooting Association (UKPSA) and organized competitions at the range. Following his conviction, a UKPSA spokesperson clarified that Prunty’s firearms certificate was returned after police secured the firearms during a search related to a suspected medical issue. They maintained that he remains a valued member of the organization.

Incidents like Prunty’s conviction have prompted lawmakers to consider tighter regulations on practical shooting clubs. Chris Kane, Labour MP for Stirling and Strathallan, highlighted the importance of maintaining strict gun control laws in the UK, stating that the nation has some of the strictest gun legislation in the world. He cautioned against the gradual normalization of firearms in society, emphasizing the consequences of unchecked gun culture.

As the debate surrounding the regulation of shooting ranges intensifies, the implications for public safety and community welfare remain at the forefront. The Scottish Government has reiterated that firearms law enforcement is an operational matter for Police Scotland and that public safety is a priority. A representative from the Home Office stated, “We take whatever action is necessary to protect the public from the misuse of firearms.”

The controversy surrounding Recoil Scotland highlights ongoing tensions regarding gun culture in Scotland. With increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups, the future of practical shooting clubs and their regulatory frameworks hangs in the balance. Prunty has not responded to requests for comment regarding his conviction or the ongoing concerns about the shooting range’s operations.