The term "Stutzen" or "carbine" has its origin in reference to a cavalry weapon. A full length stock would offer protection for a short weapon to be carried in a saddle scabbard, and a flat "butter knife" bolt handle would make it easier to insert it into one, both characteristics the Mannlicher Schoenauer shared with the Mauser type "M" carbine.

All the cavalry weapons of the period had full length stocks, as did the service rifles. A short foreend on a sporting stock fitted to a military rifle barrelled action made sense, when the full length barrel was retained, but would look ridiculous on an 18" barreled carbine. I submit that both of those factors were in play in determining the final shape of the sporting carbine.