I own a 19th-century rifle with spike bayonet, and I've always wondered why the bayonet mounts so that it's set above and to the right of the barrel, instead of being below like a sword or knife bayonet would. This setup seems to be fairly common, based on images I've seen, though having it there interferes with vision somewhat and also affects the balance. Is there a reason for this design?
I imagine you have a French weapon? British bayonets were offset to the right of the barrel.