Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1942-44 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210925MZ66
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3622089
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 on the barrel is partially stamped. It is illegible. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “SAGINAW S’ G’ / 3622089 ”. The apostrophe markings in “S’G’ “ have been added. The left side of an S’G’ receiver (under the wood) would have a tooling hole at the rear; this receiver does not. Irwin-Pedersen & Saginaw S’G’ receivers were produced with a tooling hole (page 22 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). This is an SG receiver made in Saginaw, not an S’G’ receiver made in Grand Rapids.
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). The hammer is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII replacement part (page 89 & 185). The magazine release is marked “W / S’G’ ” (faded) which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked with a “V” inspection stamp. The other markings may have been lost to refinishing (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 sling well is marked “RSG” which was used by Saginaw S’G’, Irwin-Pedersen, and Saginaw Gear (page 108 – 109). The recoil plate is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 135). The right side of the stock is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche. The magazine is marked “UQ” which is a Quality Hardware mark (page 142 -143).
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 discoloration from oxidation and an area of surface erosion. The stock shows several scrapes & scratches which 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 Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. The grooves near the muzzle are light grey. There is intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The trigger group has been refinished. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, and small scratches. The left side of the receiver, under the wood, shows surface erosion. The front of the barrel and receiver show discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver and the bolt light thinning from cycling. 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 15 round magazine. It shows light scrapes and oil residue. It is in about Fine condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
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. The receiver is marked “S’G’ ”, but the apostrophe markings in “S’G’ ” have been added. We do not know who added the marks. The left side of an S’G’ receiver (under the wood) would have a tooling hole at the rear; this receiver does not. Irwin-Pedersen & Saginaw S’G’ receivers were produced with a tooling hole. This is an SG receiver made in Saginaw, not an S’G’ receiver made in Grand Rapids.
This Saginaw SG M1 Carbine has been rebuilt using mostly Saginaw Gear parts. It has its original “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” marked barrel installed which makes it quite desirable. It will add to your WWII collection.