How do the sights attach to the barrel? Is the front sight soldered or brazed on? Does the rear sight attach with screws or is it pressed into a dovetail slot?

It will be as simple as installing a taller front sight, if you can remove it from the barrel.

I prefer the fully rifled barrel with cantilever scope mount. You'll realize more of the potential of the ammo you are using with a scope as compared to rifle sights.