Thanks for the feedback folks.

uncle, I'm THIS close to dropping the cash on a rifled barrel. Thing is, we'll have this year with these prime acres left untouched but I don't know what the future will bring and how much logging, tilling, building the owner will be doing in the upcoming seasons. That's why I'm hesitant to drop coin on a whole new set-up.

Even at 50yds, the barrel and bead blot out the vitals so it's my thinking that the red dot will increase precision...esp in fading light. I have no expectation that I'll gain rifle accuracy, just a clearer view at 50 - 60 yds. It's not wing shooting so I'm not clear how target acquisition would be a problem.

Some of the advertised cantilever mounts require that they be soldered to a smooth rib and mine's not smooth. The one advertised by Gallard Industries seems to clamp nicely but I cannot get a response from them so they may not even be in business still. I have a few weeks to figure it all out still so by opening day I'll have some solid plan.