Gun question

[sara-merry99.livejournal.com]

I have a question about Vin's gun. I understand from this Magnificent Seven Trivia site that Vin's gun is a "cut-down Winchester lever-action rifle carried in a holster, probably carries 6 rounds".

What I'm curious about is why someone would cut down a *rifle*. I understand cutting down a shotgun, it increases both portability and spread of the shot. But aside from the portability, why would one cut down a rifle? Particularly a sharpshooter, when the rifling in the barrel increases accuracy.

I'm hoping someone here knows more than I do about this.

Thanks!!