The VMLC operates a Proficiency Award system where shooting a predetermined score entitles the member to a gold, silver or bronze style medallion. To date, four members have attained a gold proficiency as follows:
In February 1990, the first VMLC Gold Proficiency was won by Barry K for 15 out of 15 Birds with a Muzzle Loading Shotgun. Sixteen years passed (April 2006) before the second Gold Proficiency was won, this time by Jim M (also 15 out of 15 Birds with a Muzzle Loading Shotgun). In October 2006, Barry K became the first member to win a second Gold Proficiency, this time for scoring 15 out of 15 Birds with a Breech Loading Black Powder Shotgun (shotgun and ammunition supplied by Jim M). In February 2007, Noel H (73 years young at the time, now deceased) became the third member to win a Gold Proficiency for 15 out of 15 Birds with a Muzzle Loading Shotgun. Then in March 2007 a most unexpected event occurred when two Gold Proficiencies were won in one day when Doug H and Jim M both scored 15 out of 15 Birds with a Breech Loading Shotgun. Doug is the fourth member to attain a gold proficiency, and Jim is the second member to have earned two gold proficiencies.
The first known Gold Proficiency for anything other than a breech, or muzzle loading shotgun, occurred in April 2014, where a score of 100 / 100 in the Muzzle Loading Rifle Turkey competition at xx metres was attained by David W (see below). In August 2014, another unexpected occurrence, when Craig K and Roger M both shot 100 / 100 earning them both a Gold Proficiency award each in the 25m Offhand Buffalo for Open Muzzle Loading Rifle competition. Finally, at least for the time being, on the 17th of October 2015, George L became the fourth member to shoot a score of 100 / 100 in a muzzle loading rifle event, namely, the 25m Offhand Snake, Open Muzzle Loading Rifle competition, thus earning a Gold Proficiency Award!
Doug H. shooting his flintlock shotgun.