It did get snagged up and some did use the prongs for opening C Ration cases.
But I do believe the real reason was to cut down on muzzle flash at night. Plus the bottom of the bird cage is solid with was to help with muzzle rise.
Pretty impressive muzzle flash at night with either one.
I don’t think I’d argue with that.
The solid bottom of the birdcage was not so much a matter of preventing muzzle rise as it was to prevent dust from kicking up when shooting in the prone.
The solid bottom also reduces dust and debris thrwon up from muzzle blast when firing in the prone position.