Front sight aprox. 1 to 1.75" from muzzle. On rear sight, put a small refrigerator magnet on the barrel, put the rear sight on it, hold the rifle up to a light like you are aiming at the light, look down the sights & have someone move the Rear Right forward on the barrel til you can see the sights clearly. Now take it 1-2" more forward & that will give you a clear sight picture & a lil more for your eyes aging. Were I a young person with good eyesight, I would go Min. of 9" from breech, as you eyesight will most likely change as you age. If using a rear sight that is not steel, use double sided tape instead of a magnet.
Keith Lisle
PS: I never worry about the sight being in the way of my hand. More important the sight be in the correct place, than me having to move my hand an inch or so when I carry the rifle. It is not like I am trekking with a rifle in hand for day after day, miles after miles.....