Funny how our vision problems differ as we get older. My eyes have been on the downhill slide for quite a while too. What surprises me is your mention of a peep as a solution. I can still use express sights fairly well, but were I stuck with a peep, all kidding aside, I would be forced to quit hunting. If you can use it, the bolt peep sounds like a decent solution for this rifle.

If it were mine, I would go ahead and scope it, so long as it is tastefully done. The only mount that ever looks right to me on a British or European rifle, bolt or otherwise, of that vintage is the claw. They fit the period - the claw is among the oldest of scope mounts and they were sometimes used by the British makers then. Properly installed, they're very attractive. Yes, they're expensive - $800 to $1,000 for a bolt rifle, but they're worth every thin dime in function alone. They're the finest detachable mount ever designed.

If you're concerned about defacing the rifle with scope mounts, the G & H side mount is the worst choice you could possibly make. Not only must the side of the action be drilled, but quite often wood must be cut away as well. In my quest for the perfect classic .375, I've found it at least a dozen times - only to find that someone had butchered it with a sidemount. Don't do it.
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