original example of a poured fore end cap

[Dave B]

I was up visiting a fellow gun maker talking about restoration work and an old rifle that I want to restore. We were discussing its interesting construction and pulled the barrel and I noticed the poured end cap. They as we discussed previously used the drill through and counter sink from inside the barrel channel to form a cast rivet as well as reverse notch to help keep it in place. cool stuff to be found at times. You can see where the one rivet was too skinny a hole and it popped off.

[okieboy]

 Interesting and informative. I love seeing photos of the usually hidden parts of gun construction. Thanks.

[Eterry]

The older gentleman who helped me build my Early Lancaster mostly builds shotguns,  he and his grandson used to compete at Friendship on the trap range. 
He almost always pours a pewter nose cap.  I've watched him do it a few times, but haven't tried it myself.  He makes it look easy, but I'm sure it's not.