It has always struck me that the tolerances in moving bolt parts made for an inconsistent sighting position for bolt-mounted sights.
...good enough for deer at a 100yds, sure, but these sight had 30-40 MOA verticals..., how much variance would each bolt closure make the sighting at longer distances?
When a bolt is not cocked it can wiggle a lot, but I think when cocked the heavy spring tension will usually put it in the same position every time. Look at externally adjusted target scopes, they usually have both mounts under spring tension with a lot less force than you would get on a cocking piece, some are even made so they can slide to ease recoil forces.