It wouldnt fit any other way, If I turn the rear base around it hits on the bolt plus the scope wouldnt fit in between. If I spin the front one around same thing scope doesnt fit in between. I could get a different front base but it will pull the scope a little forward and I dont think I want it any more forward.

Plus I think its pretty strong, when I was at the range the gun rolled off my rest and bag as its pictured here, rolled right off on the table pretty hard, it was still dead on and it didnt hurt or mark or scratch anything, whew !