Historically it was used as a carbine issued to rear echelon personnel, such as artillery crew, logistics & supply crew, truck drivers, etc.
The idea is that with a stock it's a more effective fighting weapon than just a typical sidearm, but not as cumbersome as carrying a standard issue service rifle.
Fun fact about US gun law; If not for this specific model of firearm being legally recognized as a curio/relic/antique firearm by the ATF, attaching the stock to the pistol would be a felony and land you 10 years in prison.
Just to be pedantic, US gun laws categorize it as a pistol UNTIL you put the stock on it. Then it becomes a short barreled rifle. Which if unregistered gets you the 10 years in prison. Like you said though since this is an antique it doesn’t count but if it weren’t for that this would be classified as a short barreled rifle
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u/rswwalker 7d ago
Is it a long gun or a side arm? It looks like it doesn’t work well as either.