I like the look of both single and double square bridge Mausers but I wonder what the practical purpose of the square bridge is. A bridge with built-in scope ring bases provides a secure scope mount but it requires a lot of extra metal and I have seen square bridges with conventional bases screwed mounted on them in spite of the square shape. Square bridges make the action weigh more, not less. They can't add any appreciable strength to the action because the lower receiver face remains the weaker lock-up point. And Square bridges are surely more difficult to manufacture than a rounded receiver. I'm sure many will say that the look alone is reason enough to want a square bridge Mauser but are there any reasons for square bridges other than aesthetics?

I'm not trying to start any arguments. As I said, I like the look. I am just wondering if I'm missing something obvious.