I put a couple of intermediate eye relief scopes on Mausers, mounting them at the rear sight position which placed them about 1/3rd of the way to the muzzle. I found that the only advantage was not having to alter the bolt handle or any other part of the rifle. However, such a location changes the balance of the rifle, making it extremely clumsy, unwieldy and awkward. A friend has one of the Steyr Scout rifles, and it is a much different proposition - it has a very light, short barrel which shifts the weight to the rear, puts the balance point between your hands, and renders the whole package much easier to handle.

I think a lever action with a full-length magazine full of heavy cartridges and a scope up forward will not balance as well as that Steyr Scout. If the rifle had a shorter magazine tube, it might be OK.