Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine S’G’ Irwin-Pedersen SG .30 US Semi Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1830.01

LSB#: 220427GT001

Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Grand Rapids. This M1 Carbine was built using the remaining parts at the failed Irwin-Pedersen factory in Grand Rapids.

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 3242052

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.
Barrel Date: August, 1943

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no import mark. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1.” and the top rear is marked “SAGINAW S’ G’ / 3242052 ”. The left side of the receiver (under the wood) is marked “C” and has a tooling hole at the rear. Only 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). The top of the barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” and “P”. Saginaw produced undated barrels (page 50). The interior of the trigger group’s magazine well is amkred “.U.” which is an Underwood mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “WA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 89 & 185). The Type IV magazine release is marked “M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100-101 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “circled S” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95). The inside of the operating slide is marked “AOB” which is an IBM mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “S” and “9” on the right lug which  are Standard Products marks (page 36). The front sight is marked “P” which is not listed in our reference material. Our research indicates that it is an Inland Subcontractor mark (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked “H in a shield” which is a Winchester mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “KI” which is an Inland mark (page 59). The underside of the handguard is marked “LW” (Lumb Woodworking Co.) which is an IBM subcontractor mark not listed in our reference material (page 138). The front left edge of the forearm is marked “SA” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 108-109 & 185). The bottom of the grip has tape on it. The magazine is marked “UN” which is a National Postal Meter (NPM) 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 III adjustable aperture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with bayonet lug & sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The refinished butplate has scrathces, surface erosion and dents showing through the new finish. The stock shows scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of these marks are light or small but some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes and light handling marks. The exposed metal shows light discoloration from oxidation and oil residue. The barrel shows areas of light thinning. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. The left front of the receiver, under the wood, shows an area of thinning and cleaned surface erosion. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are lightly faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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 that shows light scrapes & light oxidation. It is in Very Good Plus condition. The rifle also comes with a canvas sling.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.

Our Assessment: The M1 Carbine was developed and produced after WWII started. Over 6 million were made by a number of U.S. companies to assist with the all out war effort. The M1 Carbine was widely issued to U.S. Military Forces which numbered over 16 million during WWII. The M1 Carbine contributed greatly to U.S. efforts during WWII.
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 S’G’ M1 Carbine was built sometime between 1942 and 1944 from the remaining parts at the failed Irwin-Pedersen factory in Grand Rapids. This rare M1 Carbine has been rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts but still retains its collectible “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” marked barrel. The rifle was refinished when it was rebuilt so it looks pretty good for its age. The rifle has lots of nice marks on the metal which add to its history. This Saginaw S’G’ M1 Carbine will add to your WWII collection. Good luck.