More like 1983-91, I think. If the Blue Book guys saw them on sale in 96, those were probably old stock.
Definitely good with iron sights.
Mine wears a Beeman marked period Williams peep. Nice.
If you want to scope it, stay period, small and low.
Webley Teleskan (not a great sight, though), Beeman SS1, SS2, SS3 (good glass, can be pricey these days, like as much if not more than a decent C1), Optima Gamekeeper (ditto), maybe a 1990s Simmons 1.5-5x20.
Personally, I find the stock too straight, the wrist angle too acute for proper trigger engagement, and the overall feel not quite as good as I thought it would be before I owned it. Quirky, interesting, nice bit of Webley history, but if I needed a fast-handling short Vulcan/Victor variant for ratting or similar, my carbined Xocet beats it hands down.