I could draw you a simple vector diagram, basically the wider stance is the most practical way to gain stability, as you can only have your barrel so close to the ground before grass and other obstructions become an issue.
The under slung mounting is a red herring, as how the rifle is held "x" amount off the ground is irrelevant. The main reason it's designed that way is to allow the legs a steeper angle to unfold from, in turn creating the wider stance when unfolded.
Kj
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