fore end or nose cap

[Squire1]

Gentlemen I've noticed for the most part long rifles have a metal cap on the stock at the muzzle end. I can see the use for this in a military arm, bayonet, etc., but am unsure as to it's need on a civilian arm. Is it practical or simply a common feature?

Regards,
Squire

 

[tg]

It was nearly univeral in colonial rifles of the 18thn century as later rifles and many fowlers thru time did not have it, I cannot speak as to a NEED for one, most types of rifles if replicated would be a bit out of place without one of the proper material for the time

 

[Stophel]

It can help protect the delicate wood at the end of the forestock. :wink:

 

[Squire1]

Yes, I was just curious if the cap had any purpose other than protective or decorative in other than an historical sense. I can see how a decked out rifle wouldn't look right without one.

Squire

 

[Stumpkiller]

On a fullstock it helps hold the long, thin wood together to prevent splitting.

 

[Squire1]

Thanks Stump that's why I posed the question. I figured there was some practical reason the stock terminated in a metal cap but why the practice started wasn't apparent to me.

Regards,
Squire