CMP Saginaw Gear S.G. M1 Carbine 18″.30 Cal Semi-Auto Rifle 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

LSB#: LSB251209RR008

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

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 3456736

Year of Manufacture: May of 1943-February 1944, Most likely Early 1944

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings: 

The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3456736”. There is a firing proof punch present. The bottom of the lug is marked “U”. The left side is marked “SG”. 

The barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS”.

The barrel band is marked “AI” – Inland

The slide is marked with a “7160091″ and “U”. The inside of the slide is marked with an underlined “PI”. 

The front sight is stamped with “U” – Underwood.

The rear sight is marked “J.A.O. 7160060”.  

The trigger group is marked “.U.” on the smooth magazine well wall. The bottom of the trigger group is marked with

The mag release is marked “MWA”. 

The Rotary safety is marked “CM” a post war rebuild part.

The hammer is marked “KR2” for Rock-Ola.

The top of the sear is unmarked.

The upper handguard is unmarked. 

The left side of the buttstock is marked with a star FAT / 72 stamp. – Italian Arsenal “Fabrica Armi Terni” reworked carbines for the Italian Air Force. In the mid 2000s they were then sourced for CMP carbines.

The recoil plate is unmarked.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later sliding aperture rear sight with a knurled knob.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, 2-rivet handguard, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, later rotary style safety and metal checkered buttplate. There are scattered handling marks. There is a crack in the left side of the buttstock between the sling well and the buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is erosion around the edges. Overall the furniture is in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized 

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is some light scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, 2-rivet handguard, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, later rotary style safety and metal checkered buttplate. There are scattered handling marks. There is a crack in the left side of the buttstock between the sling well and the buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is erosion around the edges. Overall the furniture is in 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: This rifle comes with a CMP certificate of authenticity, CMP yellow chamber flag, CMP rifle safety manual, and an Ordnance Field Service M1 Carbine manual. 

Our Assessment: The Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a significant variant of the iconic M1 Carbine, produced during World War II by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors. The M1 Carbine itself was a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle designed to provide greater firepower than the standard-issue sidearm while being more portable than the M1 Garand. Saginaw Steering Gear Division, located in Saginaw, Michigan, was one of several companies contracted by the U.S. government to manufacture the M1 Carbine. Production of the M1 Carbine by Saginaw Gear began in 1943 and continued through the end of World War II. The company was chosen for its expertise in precision engineering and manufacturing, essential for the production of reliable military firearms. The Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine, like other variants, is chambered in .30 Carbine. It operates on a short-stroke gas piston system, allowing for semi-automatic fire. The rifle has an effective range of about 300 yards, making it suitable for various combat roles, from close-quarters engagements to medium-range skirmishes. Today, the Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a sought-after collector’s item due to its historical significance and being manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear. The M1 Carbine, in general, remains a popular choice among collectors and shooters for its historical value, reliability, and ease of use.