Rifles and Muskets of the Enfield/Bess variety I do believe were designed to aim with the body facing the enemy (shooters body 90 degrees to the weapon's barrel). When you aim an Enfield/Bess like this you can sight down the barrel/sights better. Like a healed up scalped head "It feels mighty queersome" to aim your weapon like that. Plus, it feels like you're standing in a strain.
Bob