There's really two reasons, with a functional third.

First, as stated, that this moves the sling stud out of the hands/rifle interaction during recoil

Second, on the "same" rifle, when shouldered, the barrel will be 4-8 inches lower, thereby keeping the rifle out of the brush better (keeping it closer to the height of your noggin)

My Idea, the third, is that with the british short stock, a stock stud WOULD hit your paw, even on a 7x57 and with the forearm being soo short, you would carry the gun VERY high on a shoulder strap.

I wish you could post visio drawings on forums, as this would be very easy to see, if drawn.

jeffe