I pretty much agree - -
The scout configuration cries out for the most compact optical sighting setup possible. When Elder Son birthday gifted me an 1895GS last May, I was determined to use the ghost ring iron (aluminum??) sights. When a friend gave me a set of the AO sights, he included the AO Lever Scout mount.
I got to looking and the utility and apparent strength were fascinating. I also wanted to do some load workup, and at my advanced age, I am simply not as precise with iron sights as I once was. Robbed the Leupold Scout Scope off my Savage .308 and installed it on my Marlin. The Leupold low mount rings already in place worked just fine.
Hey, this is GREAT! After working up a suitable load with Speer 400 JSP and 3031 powder, I was barely able to force myself to remove the scope. I can hit pretty well with the ghost ring sights, and they are more in keeping with the truly rugged nature of the big carbine, but I could certainly be happy with the Lever Scout optical setup . . . .
Best,
Johnny