Barn,
Thank you.
By not going into the long story, it wasn't mentioned that the rifle and scope are not mine, however the owner gave me the scope.
Prior to posting my original post, I knew the rear ring could be removed as you mentioned. The problem is the front ring, because the bell refuses to budge. Perhaps Kroil would help, but it's of no matter and importance as I don't have any use for the scope and will set it aside.
Though of excellent quality, the entire setup is unnecessarily complicated.
I'll find a set of Weaver bases and rings, and proceed from there.