wouldn't say that because during World War I, the Italian front was predominantly fought in mountainous terrain, which probaly the reason he carries the gun
The wheels maybe. Just maybe. Be needed when firing. In some terrain it may be easier to lift it but judging from the picture I bet he was either telling people he can lift it or I bet he was like. Oh get one with me carrying it. Pictures were way rarer so if you had one you wanted it to be either perfect or epic.