Far to many shooters use scopes and do not know how to use or adjust Iron sights.
When that scope goes bad, you have a nice expensive Club. 
Many Buffalo were killed with the 45-70 and Iron sights.
At 53 I can't see the sights or the deer. Scopes are faster for me. I've never had a scope go bad.
I agree with Swampy.

Although if you buy cheap junk scopes then failure is a definite possibility. ESP if its on a caliber that recoils.
I like the durability of open sites, esp peeps. But as we age its definitely a benefit to have good optics.
LO fixed power scopes are very fast, esp if mounted forward like a scout setup. You can shoot with both eyes open witch greatly aids depth perception and overall accuracy. BUT its not so great for long range. (Over 300) But I don't think this is any worry for you as you have said a couple times, 50 yards is your goal.
Again, I just don't know why you cannot just keep factory sites and save the coin for another project? I mean the factory sites are just fine for such short ranges, even with poor eye site! Personally, limiting yourself to such short ranges, if your hunting it is just to confining.
CW