Front wheel bearing nut (Samurai)..........................._96 to 132 in-lbs
Front wheel bearing lock nut (Samurai)....................._43 to 65


I assume the top being the inner nut, followed by the lock ring, and outer gets the 43 to 65 torque correct?

My socket isn't quite deep enough to catch the inner nut.  Is it safe to use the """snug the inner nut, put the wheel/rim on, check for play and resistance""" method?

You are correct on the torque figures, and yes you can use the resistance method to set them.

I would suggest spinning the wheel hub as you tighten the inner nut.  That way it keeps the bearings lined up and also you can feel when the nut puts preload on the bearings.
What I generally do is overtighten the inner nut slightly, while spinning the wheel hub (that ensures the bearings are seated good and everything is lined up), then back the nut off just a tiny bit, then torque it to the proper torque.
If you are doing it by the "feel" method, then slightly tight is better than slightly loose.  You do not want any play in the bearings, when you try to shake the wheel/tire by grabbing onto the top and bottom of the tire and rocking it back and forth.