Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1942-44 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1401

LSB#: 210917MW61

Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 3267747

Year of Manufacture: 1942 to 1944. No specific manufacture dates are listed due to a number of reasons explained on pages 24 to 26 of Scott Duff’s book, The M1 Carbine Owner’s Guide.
No Barrel Date

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The small import mark under the barrel reads “ARL ORD ARLINGTON VA”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “SAGINAW S G / 3267747”.
The top of the barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” and “P”. The trigger group is marked “SG” on the right rear which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “KR” which is a Rock Ola mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “W I” which is an Inland mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 95). The bottom of the operating slide is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “SG” on the left lug which was used by Saginaw Gear (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “RSG” which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Saginaw Gear (page 138). The Type III stock sling well is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester, but the markings may have been lost (page 108 – 109). The recoil plate is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 135).

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is a Type I dual flip up aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type IA barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scrapes & light thinning. The stock shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey. The rifling is sharp. There is oxidation and intermittent light erosion throughout. There are patches of more prominent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.2.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The barrel also shows areas of light thinning. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a new production canvas sling that is in Fine condition.

Our Assessment: Saginaw Gear M1 Carbines are sought after by collectors. There are 2 separate Saginaw Gear manufacturers of M1 Carbines. Both were Divisions of General Motors but were located in different cities. Saginaw Carbines made in the original Saginaw, Michigan factory are marked “S.G.” or “SG”. Saginaw Carbines made in the Grand Rapids, Michigan factory are marked “ S’G’ ”. Saginaw S’G’ guns were produced from the remnants of the failed Irwin-Pedersen factory in Grand Rapids. Saginaw took over production in Grand Rapids and marked the facilities M1 Carbines S’G’ to differentiate them from the ones produced at the original Saginaw plant.
This Saginaw SG M1 Carbine was built sometime between 1942 and 1944 at the original Saginaw Michigan factory. After WWI this M1 served for a U.S. friendly country before it was imported back into the States. The barrel is marked accordingly. This Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine has since been rebuilt using Saginaw Gear and USGI parts. It has its original “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” marked barrel installed which makes it quite desirable. It looks good for a wartime rifle and should be fun out at the range.