Ok, so in today's world…what benefit do "forward objective" scope rings have over standard scope rings? If anything?

Robert, could you explain what you mean by forward objective scope rings? I've tried searching the term but have got nowhere so far.

Sure, like this:



The front scope ring is on the forward objective instead of on the body. I know this is the classic Euro way of mounting a rifle scope but I've always wondered, is there some other value in this?

Generally because as the European style mounts usually sit a scope so high the forward ring makes for a stronger carry handle for the rifle

For claw mounts.
You can't tilt a scope forward and down enough to get the scope on and off of claw mounts if the rings are on the tube, unless the scope is mounted very high.

there may be other reasons.

Yes, I think that is the main reason, richj, though I see them used even where there are no claw mounts to be tipped forward. On a lot of double rifles and combinations they need so much protruding unsupported at the rear that the mounts would only be an inch or two apart if you tried to secure both on the centre barrel section.