WWII Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine SG .30 US U.S. 7 Mags Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1735
LSB#: 220323JK010
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3257397
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: March, 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 SG / 3257397”. The top of the barrel is marked “ROCK-OLA / 3-43”. The trigger group is marked “BE-B” on the right rear which was used by IBM and Standard Products (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is marked “W” which is a Winchester mark (page 89). The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” which is an Inland mark (page 100-101). The rotary safety is “M inside a C” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “N” and with a faded “9” which are National Postal Meter marks (page 65). The bolt is marked “.U.” under the left lug which is an Underwood mark (page 36). The front sight is marked “R” which was used by Rock-Ola and Inland (page 56). The Type II rear sight is marked “HI” which is an Inland mark (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “C” which is a Winchester mark (page 59). The underside of the Type I handguard is unmarked which is consistent with Winchester (page 138). The sling well is marked “LW” which is anb Underwood mark (page 108).
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 II adjustable aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, Type III barrel band with sling loop & bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The left side of the forearm shows several scrapes from the sling metal. The stock shows other scattered scrapes and scratches. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright. The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, small scrapes and thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The bottom of the barrel is scratched. The sides of the trigger group show some light thinning. The receiver and bolt show operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Some of the markings on the rear of the receiver are slightly 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 dual magazine pouch and 7 (seven) aftermarket 10 round magazines. Two of the magazines are marked “MADE IN / U.S.A.”. The mags show scrapes & scratches. They vary from about Very Good to Very Good Plus condition.
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 SG M1 Carbine was built at the original Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors in Saginaw, Michigan. At some point it was rebuilt using a mix of USGI parts that include a Rock-Ola barrel. The rifle comes with seven 10 round magazines so you can have lots of fun shooting. This M1 Carbine looks good and will add to your WWII collection. Good luck.