Concerning the rifle and this well-known picture: This brings to mind an on/off topic thought: Of course, the rifle in the photo would be non-operable. (Pointing even an EMPTY operable weapon at someone, even in jest, is a terrible violation amongst weapons enthusiasts.) I wonder if the Heir was EVER permitted to fire a "real" rifle, even under the MOST supervised conditions, due to the potential of someone with his condition brusing easily, especially since the butt of the weapon would be at/near a joint? I have fired many different military rifles, including the Mosin-Nagant variety. All are weighty and they can deliver a healthy "pop" to the shoulder, even if held in the most approved stance or even on a rest. I have never seen a photo of the heir (in his later years) doing nothing but POSING with firearms, be they replicas, unloaded ones, etc. AP
