WWII Saginaw Gear S.G. M1 Carbine 18” .30 CAL Semi Auto Rifle 1943-44 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,186.00
LSB#: LSB260429JR004
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 3304002
Year of Manufacture: May 1943-May 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
Receiver: “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3304002”.
Barrel: “SAGINAW SG DIV GENERAL MOTORS” with a “P” 5″ back from the front sight.
Barrel band: “SA” Springfield Armory post war part.
Bolt: “A.I.” Autoyre Inland
Slide: “N15” National Postal Meter
Front Sight: There is a marking but it is illegible
Rear Sight: Unmarked
Trigger group: “INLAND” for Inland Division.
Magazine catch: “M” and “E.I.” an Inland Division part.
Safety: “CM” Post war part
Hammer: “LT-Q” for Ludlow Typograph
Handguard: “Pederson U” Pedersen Bros. for Underwood.
Stock: “1160”, “878”, “51” and “1-1160”. Also “SA” in the forend Springfield Armory replacement stock.
Both Magazines are marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an oval cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type three barrel band with bayonet lug, and a later style rotary safety. The LOP is 13.25”. The wood shows compressions, scratches, nicks,, chips and rub marks scattered throughout. There are no visible cracks. The metal butt plate has lost the finish, turned brown with age and shows rub wear and pitting. The checkering is still defined. Overall the stock set is in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is very well defined. There is no visible erosion/pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces on the receiver and bolt show finish loss and rub wear. The barrel, barrel band, receiver, trigger group, front sight, and lug all show discoloration, finish loss, and finish thinning. The action is smooth. The screw heads are sharp and the markings range from illegible to clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair+-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 includes one 5 round and one 30 round magazines. The magazines are in Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine was manufactured between May 1943 and May 1944 by Saginaw Steering Gear Division, one of the General Motors divisions contracted to produce the M1 Carbine during World War II. Retaining its original Saginaw Gear barrel, this rifle represents one of the many carbines built to arm American forces during the war. The lightweight M1 Carbine earned a reputation for reliability, fast handling, and ease of carry, making it a favorite among officers, paratroopers, and support troops throughout World War II and the Korean War.
Like many surviving military carbines, this rifle reflects the U.S. military’s arsenal rebuild program, incorporating serviceable parts from multiple manufacturers. It is fitted with a National Postal Meter slide and a Pedersen handguard, both correct wartime components used during rebuilds to keep carbines in service. Rather than diminishing the rifle, these mixed-manufacturer parts tell the story of a firearm that continued serving long after its original production, making it an excellent representative example of the wartime manufacturing cooperation and postwar maintenance that define the history of the M1 Carbine. To get a better understanding of this M1 please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.