01-03-2014, 10:46 PM
I would personally never mount a scope across the hand guard / upper receiver. You're only asking for trouble and frustration. Doing so introduces the possibility of torquing the scope, and requires a near perfect alignment of the two sets of rails. There are many mounts which only attach at the upper receiver that are more than adequate for the task. If you need to forward mount your scope, Larue, ADM and many others make very solid cantilevered mounts.
As far as being stronger, it's a relative question. Both are strong enough, provided they are attached to the same rail. Most rings require the use of a riser, as the straight geometry of the AR's butt stock places the shooters eye higher above the bore than a bolt action, so you need to factor that into your decision, as well.
As far as being stronger, it's a relative question. Both are strong enough, provided they are attached to the same rail. Most rings require the use of a riser, as the straight geometry of the AR's butt stock places the shooters eye higher above the bore than a bolt action, so you need to factor that into your decision, as well.