That was so you could easily poke a screwdriver or bayonet in there to unjam it . . . they forgot about the mud . . .
The incredible curve was required by the Lebel rim. Of course, the Bren gun had the same problem to accommodate the .303, not as severe a curve though, and it certainly worked all right.
19 posted on 08/01/2009 5:41:43 PM PDT by AnAmericanMother
(Ministrix of ye Chasse, TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary (recess appointment))
