Great discussion.
I like most of the changes. the marksman / rifleman always confused me.
I think that the military classes are just about right.
I do have an idea on the civilian classes. (Stu, you might not like this) The term scout doesn't really describe any type of weapon. I believe that the different scouts probably used a variety of weapons and each may have had there favorite form the same as the military arms of the unit they worked with to the latest best available to some antiquated piece that had been with them for years. So maybe use the term to designate all civilian classes but not one particular weapon class.
first put the pistol caliber lever action at the bottom of the list just because that seems to be the entry class. and call it "cowboy" or cowboy scout" to indicate that SASS / NCOWS shooters can use the same guns the use in those matches
Buffalo, or buffalo scout seems ok, or could be change to hunter, buffalo hunter, or hunter scout.
forager, or forager scout is just right.
Militia, I am not sure. (Please don't court martial me for considering this) I almost think it should be considered with the military classes, since the name implies military service. The rifles are as slow to load and most only hold 5 rounds just like the bolt actions. I know they were not standard military arms but often in use by home guards, rebels and such. and often A uniform or some sort was worn. Otherwise maybe a name change to something like big-bore cowboy, or big-bore scout. Also it should be listed just below the military classes, as It seems like the next step.
All like a ladder from the CAS guns, up to a hunter or the militia class, to a one or two gun military class, to the ultimate of military single shot or repeater using the proper powder for the arm and the proper uniform for the period and arm as the goal we can reach for if so inclined.
so how about this? :
militia (maybe considered a military class)
hunter
forager
cowboy
or: (keep the scout designation for ALL civilian classes)
big-bore scout or Rifle scout
hunter scout or buffalo scout
forager scout
cowboy scout
or:
civilian repeater or rifle repeater
buffalo hunter
forager or bird hunter
CAS Scout or CAS cowboy.
i believe that this would make it more clear that UNIFORMS and MILITARY rifles are not required to participate.
These are the civilian classes and the guns that any CAS shooter would already have are acceptable. The main point would be use the word cowboy or CAS for the pistol caliber rifle class for the reasons mentioned.
Personally I like the first list but that is only my opinion, and these are just my simple ideas.
started as a cowboy scout, and still reaching....