An enclosed needle catheter insertion device includes a catheter assembly (12) and a needle insertion device (14) having a needle guard housing (20) to enclose a needle cannula (24) in a shielded position and a needle support (22) supporting the needle cannula (24) for movement between a ready position, with the tip (28) of the needle cannula (24) exposed, to a shielded position with the needle cannula (24) within the needle guard housing (20). Movement of the needle support (22) and the needle cannula (24) relative to the needle guard housing (20) is accomplished by manual manipulation of a gripping component (40) external of the needle guard housing (20). A separate, proximal end cap (60) external of the needle guard housing (22) encloses a proximal portion (55) of the needle guard housing (20), and is affixed to the needle support (22).
