Use some Warne QD rings so you can take the scope off during muzzleloader season. I have to do the same thing here in Wisconsin. As for whether a peep sight is better then the standard sights.. there are a few schools of thought on that.

I will not argue the point that on the target range, in the middle of the day, a peep sight will shoot better groups then a standard fiber optic sights. But take those same sights into a march, or Balsam thicket, or a place where shadows can play games.. and the fiber optics will literally shine while the peep starts to give sight problems. The peep sight answer in this case is shoot through the Ghost Ring. So after you take the aperture out, don't loose that.. I usually find a way to.

The peep sight is better for long range shooting. Where I hunt, my standard shot is 50 yards, maybe once in a great while a little longer. Standard sights will do that easy. If you hunt open fields, the peep might be an advantage.

Peep sights take some getting used to but once you learn them they are a great open sight system. I think a fiber optic can do the same thing with practice. All you need do is practice.

Its a hard decision, but only you can make it. As for the front sight question, try it with the fiber optics. If it does not work, then change it. There are some good peep sights out there. Check the Tru Glo with a fiber optic glow points, or the RMC V-peep. Williams also makes a good peep sight.

Someone needs to invent a peep sight that you can put on the rear base of your scope base, and lock it down with a QD system.