Call me stupid, but fwd assist on a smoke pole? Wouldn't that just make the primer go off
I'd worry less about the scope and more about the mounts.
I cracked 2 sets of mounts/rings on a M/L before I learned my lesson (I'm a little slow, just ask around).
I put a set of heavy steel mounts like
these on about 9 years ago and haven't had a problem since.
I have a Nikon pro staff scope that has held up well for many years under the punishment of a M/L and pyrodex abuse.
I actually shoot my M/L probably more than most. When stationed in Charleston it was all I hunted with on base and all I use at Ft. Gordon now, also usually take 2 dedicated M/L trips a year to other states.
Put a light coat of non-petroleum based grease (like the kind used to clean muzzleloaders) on the bottom of it to help protect from corrosion.