What are the holes for? If they're for a missing Griffin&Howe QD side mount or Noske side mount why not scare one up and use it? That was the hot setup back when the gun was new, and remains an elegant solid option today. If the holes are for a Weaver, Pachmayr, Echo, etc. mount, then fill 'em.
I'm not a huge fan of sidemounts but on some rifles they just look right.
![[Linked Image]](https://i.imgur.com/OzsKlIW.jpg)
On the subject of going through the effort, sometimes despite the economics, you just have to. I have a pre-64 given to me by a good friend that has since moved on to the happy hunting grounds. It had some pitting on the left side rail. I fixed it and had someone chase the affected Winchester logo and it was worth it to me.
