Thanks @Lon, I missed that one because I was focused on the Aimpoint version (which is still my preference but we'll see how long my patience lasts).
@gato naranja, slugs are a non-factor. Not saying I'll never run any but I can't see a reason in my case to even have one in the side saddle. Then again, I could be all wet... Also, one of these days I need to post pics of the bobtail Manx we had. He was a (light) gato naranja as well.
@farscott, no rib on this one.
So after going through all of the suggestions and thinking through the most realistic scenarios, I'm going to check with Cotton Branch to see about having a CROM and maybe a rifle style front sight mounted. The bead and pedestal are probably "good enough" but I think I should at least look into the possibility.
Wilson's work order sheet says they won't work on anything that's been modified by someone else. I need to see if that applies to having it refinished as well or or if it means they just won't do any custom work.
Still on the fence about the Vang barrel work. For an ordinary Earth person, is it a need to have or a nice to have? Ported or skip the ports?
That's my thought as well but I don't know if it's a big part of the secret sauce or not.