Steve, Thanks for your thoughts on the tension on the scope. I think I remember reading that it is preferred that there be a slight bit of upward tension on the scope with claw mounts. I once had a swing mount installed a few years ago before I got brave enough to work on these on my own and I was told that even with a swing mount a very slight upward tension in the scope is preferred. So, I will go very slowly on the front rings and I may not need to take any off at all. I'll have to check when I get home but I an not sure the scope would rise more than a 1/4" if released from the rear slider.
Thanks, Ron