Nosecaps

MBS is constantly changing our product lines to offer only the BEST in quality manufactured and performance proven barrels tailored to fit specific needs. Only the best manufacturers in the business are now our standard stock product lines. MBS is proud to provide you with Green Mountains’ straight octagon and swamped barrels, all styles of barrels available by custom order, Goodoien off-hand straight octagon target barrels (the absolute best competition quality barrels made today), and swamped barrels by superb quality manufacturer, Rice Barrel Company.

Original nosecaps are an interesting subject. Initially, they were simply widths of beaten flat metal installed around the end of the forestock to prevent the splitting out of the end grain. They were open at this end. After experience (I am sure!) with charring, blackening and simple wear of the forestocks nose, gunmakers began hammering over the metal and filing the barrels profile into the end of this sheet metal nosecap. The proper way to install a nosecap is to use a rivet of brass or copper. Install the rivet down through the barrel channel and file the beaten end flush with the underside of the cap. While cast nosecaps, I am fairly certain, are a contemporary invention, they are okay if you want the heavier material to have to work with. The main concern is that the nose profile be “cornered” to look original! We manufacture two styles of nosecaps; sheet metal cut, formed and soldered, and investment cast. We also carry sheet metal nosecaps made by Ted Cash Manufacturing and each is annotated as to the style. His line includes, early low profile, chevron, late period grooved styles, and Hawken plains rifle nosecaps.

When you install a nosecap, only remove as much material as is necessary to leave as much forestock wood as possible. If you have to, use a filler to fill up the voids inside then file flush with the wood. Drill your rivet hole(s), two on some styles, countersink slightly in the barrel channel and fit the rivet in until it is flush with the bottom of the barrel channel. Install the barrel back into the stock, clamp solid and peen down the rivet. Dress up the looks by filing and sanding smooth.