Puzzled about endcap

[Terry Reynolds]

What type of muzzlecap is this, never seen one with both ends open? Do I need to solder a end on it before installing?

Slowly but surely getting my Bucks Co. rifle together and this site has been a great help.

[Dale Halterman]

Typically used on Lehigh County rifles. The end of the fore stock was left exposed. I will post a picture of one if no one beats me to it.

Dale H

[Mr. Bubbles]

Many original Bucks County were also made with open ended caps too.  Just make sure the edges are tight with the wood and it doesn't spring open when you do the soldering.  If you use low temperature solder it can be done with the cap on the gun, but that won't be as strong as using high temp solder.

[Terry Reynolds]

Mr. B, I’m not following on the soldering part, I thought I would fit and pin it. I’ve tried to find a pic of a open end muzzlecap with no success. Where these common?

Dale, a picture speaks a thousand word to a first time builder and I appreciate the help from you both.

[David Rase]

I think your nose cap was designed to be left open on the front.  After fitting, it would be pinned through the 2 bottom oblique flats of the stock to hold it in place.  Many open front nose caps wrap entirely around the nose of the forestock. 
Below are a couple of photos of a wrap around open nose cap that I made a few years back.  My nose cap is not 100% period correct as the butt joint that I used should more than likely should of been a lap joint and pinned through the joint to the stock.
 

[flehto]

Here's an open ended Mcap on an original Bucks County. ....Fred

[n stephenson]

I think your nose cap was designed to be left open on the front.  After fitting, it would be pinned through the 2 bottom oblique flats of the stock to hold it in place.  Many open front nose caps wrap entirely around the nose of the forestock. 
Below are a couple of photos of a wrap around open nose cap that I made a few years back.  My nose cap is not 100% period correct as the butt joint that I used should more than likely should of been a lap joint and pinned through the joint to the stock.
 

David, your butt joint was practically invisible , I had to look closely  to see it. After seeing Fred`s pic I may have my answer . Unlike a regular muzzle cap that butts flush into the end grain of the stock , was it normal on these type , for the metal of the cap to be above the surface of the wood . Or , was the wood stepped down to fit in the cap and, a shoulder left at the rear , so that the wood could be worked flush with the rear edge of the cap .? I hope this makes sense    Nate