It's my understanding, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, that the Mannlicher style of stock was designed so there would be more meat to grab at the muzzle end if the rifle had to be used as a staff for climbing or traversing rough terrain.

If this is indeed the case, heel and toe clips would be a necessity to keep the buttstock from being damaged, a full metal buttplate would be even better. I would say if that's the case they would certainly be in line with the original guns.

Perhap the middle schnabel is to facilitate two handed use for climbing.

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