Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine Matching S’G’ SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1830
LSB#: 210918MW57
Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Grand Rapids.
Model: M1 Carbine. This M1 Carbine is 1 part short of being considered “all matching”.
Serial Number: 1872994
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: September, 1943
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible 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’ / 1872994”. The left side of the receiver (under the wood) is marked “X” 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 “UNDERWOOD / 9 – 43” and “P”. Underwood supplied barrels for Saginaw S’G’ (page 50). The trigger group is marked “S’G’ ” on the right rear which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 78). The hammer is marked “S’G’ ” which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 89). The magazine release is marked “cc / M” (faded) which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100-101 & 185). The smooth push button safety is marked “E-S’G’ ” which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “S’G’ ” which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 65). The bolt is marked “S’G’ ” on the right lug which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 36). The front sight is marked “N” which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked with a partial “S” on the left which is consistent with Saginaw S’G’ and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is marked “KV-S’G’ ” which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (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 edge of the buttplate is marked “PM-S’G’ ” which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (page 111).
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 stock shows several scrapes & scratches. Most of these marks are light or small. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel has been treated with cold blue. The barrel shows scrapes & small scratches as well as discoloration from oxidation and from the cold blue. The receiver, bolt, and trigger group have been refinished. They show light scrapes & areas of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver and the bolt light thinning from cycling. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
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: There is no magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows light discoloration & spots of soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Our Assessment: 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. It is a rare M1 Carbine that is 1 part short of being all matching. The magazine release is not an S’G’ part. The barrel is an Underwood barrel that was supplied to Saginaw S’G’. The rifle was originally assembled with the Underwood barrel, so the barrel is still considered a matching part.
Ths M1 Carbine has since been refinished. It looks good and has a strong bright bore. It will add to your WWII collection.
There are 2 Saginaw Gear manufacturers of M1 Carbines. Both were Divisions of General Motors. They 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.