Oh this is cool. Someone, can't remember who or on what board, mentioned that the side plate was fairly thin and probably wouldn't provide enough threads for a secure hold. I wonder if that experiment used a modified side plate or if the mounting to the barrel band provided enough stability? 

Being the sight/scope set up wasn't ever issued, only an experiment, would it be allowed in the vintage sniper  competition ? I remember that there was some wording in the rules that was a general description of what was allowed. But mostly I remember that specific rifle/scope combinations were allowed.

Mine could be brought back to military configuration. I can't imagine the cost of doing so though.