My advice, take it for what it's worth, is that your dad's rifle carries more sentimental value than any other gun you could buy. Definitely don't make any major changes to it. Ask yourself if tapping it for a scope is going to alter it in a way that might decrease the sentimental value you see in it. If so, a decent hunting rifle can be found for around $400. On the other hand, maybe adding a scope would add sentimental value because it would allow you to hunt with it yourself and bag some game with the same rifle your dad used. A few tapped holes may not make that big of a difference to you. I definitely wouldn't remove the old iron sights.
In that price range, I would start by looking at a Leupold 3-9x40. I always thought their gloss black scopes were a perfect compliment to an old blued rifle. I've also had good luck in a durable hunting scope with the Nikon Buckmaster, but I'm not sure they carry that line any more. Finally, Vortex has really made a name for themselves in the mid-range priced scope market. Take some time to shop around for a good mounting solution, too and perhaps work with your gunsmith to drill/tap the holes specifically for your mounting setup. On a rifle like the one you're describing, I'd take a good look at the Talley rings that don't use a separate mount (I think they call them one piece rings) but you'll want to consider lapping these (something your smith should be able to do while he's at it). Since they are two separate pieces and don't use a mount, there's more opportunity for some slight misalignment.
Good luck!
ETA - this is the scope I had in mind http://www.midwayusa.com/product/965...cope-3-9x-40mm
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