I appreciate your sharing the journey.
The RWS does look handier with the shorter barrel but I like the cocking leverage of the longer barrel too much to cut mine.
Are you going to leave the Hatsan naked for a while or put the scope back on?
For plinking on the farm sights are ok but I like the scope for distance!
I got the inspiration to cut the barrel off a bit from looking at the RWS 34P Pro Compact, with it's 15.75" barrel.
I ended up putting the Hawke 3-12x44 on the Hatsan.
The RWS is getting a Hawke 3-9x40 AO. Should be here in a few days.