Two downsides with moving the magazine forward:
1. Barrel length becomes more restricted;
2. Centre of gravity moves forward away from the user's hand.
The Mauser C96 was often used as a carbine replacement with the wooden holster used as a stock, so problem 2 was countered. Problem 1 was never an issue because the C96 would have been a primary weapon, rather than a CQB/backup weapon which needs to be drawn in a hurry.
(Incidentally, Winston Churchill used a C96 at Omdurman when he rode with the 21st Lancers, as a shoulder injury prevented him using a sword).
|