WWII Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine .30 Cal Rifle Fulton Armory Refurb C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,677.00

LSB#: LSB260504JG004

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

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 3400265

Year of Manufacture: May of 1943-May 1944, Barrel date 12/2021 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings: 

Barrel: “FA 6544006 CB 12/21 5A M”, Criterion Barrel.     

The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3400265”. The front lug is stamped “C” on the bottom. There is an “SG” marked below the wood line on the left side of the receiver.   

Barrel Band: Unmarked 

Front Sight: Unmarked 

Slide: “W” Winchester. 

Bolt: “-U-” Underwood. 

Rear Sight: Unmarked

Trigger group: “W”, “9” Winchester.

Hammer: “W” Winchester.

Sear: Unmarked

Magazine Catch: “W” Winchester. 

Safety: Unmarked      

Lug: Unmarked

Upper Handguard: Unmarked

Oiler: Unmarked. 

Magazine: “U”

Stock: “H.I.” Hillerich & Bradsby aka Louisville Slugger. 

Barrel Length: 18″

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 serrated knob. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, with two rivet handguard, type 2 barrel band, cross bolt safety and metal checkered butt plate. The LOP measures 13.25″. The stock has been lightly sanded and refinished. The wood show some scattered minor marks and lines. The rear edges of the handguard show some very old chips. There are no cracks. There is a small line behind the lug but it is not a crack. The butt plate has been refinished and shows only minor handling. Overall the stock is in about Very Good+ condition.      

Type of Finish: Parkerized 

Finish Originality: Refinished 

Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. The bore shows no pitting, erosion, or fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show some very minor finish loss from rub wear. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are mostly clear throughout. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent-Excellent+ condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes an oiler, a 15 round magazine in Very Good condition and a green canvas sling. 

Our Assessment: This Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine was originally manufactured between 1943 and 1944 by Saginaw Steering Gear Division, one of the General Motors divisions tasked with producing the M1 Carbine during World War II. While born as a wartime service rifle, this example was completely refurbished by Fulton Armory sometime after December 2021. The restoration included a new Criterion barrel that rates a perfect 10/10, a complete refinish of the metal components, and a thorough overhaul, resulting in a rifle that presents in Excellent condition while retaining its historic military heritage.

Adding to its appeal, many of the key operating components including the slide, trigger housing, and hammer are desirable Winchester parts. The stock is marked “H.I.”, identifying it as a product of Hillerich & Bradsby, the Louisville company famous for manufacturing Louisville Slugger baseball bats before contributing wooden stocks to the wartime M1 Carbine program. H.I.-marked stocks are especially appreciated because of this unique connection to one of America’s most recognizable sporting goods companies. Combined with its expert Fulton Armory restoration, premium Criterion barrel, and fascinating mix of wartime components, this is an exceptional M1 Carbine that offers both outstanding shootability and historical interest. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.