Well Hacksaw, you bought the rifle for its packability and you intnded useage is plinking and hunting small game...... If you were to permantley mount a scope and store in essence a second rifle inside it you will lose one of the factors you originally bought the rifle for. Its packability. I understand redundancy and approve of it, but in this case I don't see it. Maybe if you could get (not sure it being Canada and all) a .22 revolver or a .22 auto pistol you could gain the redundancy you desire. It would allow you to plink and hunt if the rifle fails, and be a more handy defence against smaller predators in your area that the rifle would be able to handle, by being in a pocket/holster and ready to deploy. Unlike the AR-7 if its all packed down.
I would definately pick up the small parts suggested by others for field expedient repair, there very well may be a local gunsmith who would be willing to teach you the ins and outs of your particular rifle. Good luck and happy hunting!

-Bill Liptak