I went ahead with the scope mount, well informed by excellent advice from this site. I bought weaver high rings at Walnuts but in steel not aluminum. The hammer extension was just touching or nearly touching the scope, but a little bit of grinding of the extension (not the hammer itself) gave me a CH of clearance. I colored over the ground part with a sharpie hoping to slow rusting.
I have bore sighted, and now to the range. I understand lots of folks have found that their USH's like Lightfields, Rem Core Lock, and Hornady,but also that I need to be prepared to try different brands, models, and lengths.
I really appreciate the folks that took the time to help me. I'm sure I'll have more questions soon!