Where there is the will there is a way. Offset bases for scopes and receiver sights not available then? Regardless, a good solution to a not uncommon problem. Offset scope rings are even available now. Harrel's precision comes to mind.

Easier than offset rings?

If there was anything like this around in the early sixties I wasn't aware of them.
A plus with the stock cut away like this my top lip would touch the stock bolt and a perfect head alignment would result. Even when altered to the K Hornet still no recoil from such a heavy combination with the scope on top.
With age and reading all the post's here over the years I now realise that with each 22 R/F rifle you have to try a different combination of ammunition for that particular rifle and instead of using the expensive Eley ammunition in the black box which might have helped because of two young daughters who seemed to grow out of their clothes so quickly I bought the cheaper version.   
Sold the rifle a couple of years ago as a guy wanted to buy the scope but he had to buy the rifle as I knew I would have a hard job selling it like it was.
This is my rabbit rifle these days.