WWII Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine 18” .30 cal Semi Auto Rifle U.S. C&R 1943

SOLD FOR: $1,302.00

WOA#: WY240406WM014

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

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 1815945

Year of Manufacture: 1943, Barrel date 7-1943.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings:

The barrel is marked “BUFFALO ARMS / 7-1943”. With a flaming bomb and “P”, the flat is stamped with an ordnance wheel.

The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 1815945”. The left side is marked with a “K”. The right side is marked with an “8”.

The mag release is unmarked.

The front sight is marked “8”

The rear sight is marked “S”

The hammer is marked “S’G’”

The Trigger group is marked “S’G’”

The cross bolt safety is marked “IP-A”

The sling swivel is marked “KV-S’G’”

The right side of the stock is marked “S’G’” and an Ordnance wheel.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears.  The rear sight is an early style L type aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, high wood, with type one two rivet handguard, type 2 swivel, cross bolt safety and metal checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has a chip out of the nose and out of the pommel. The rest of the wood has small scratches, compressions and marks scattered throughout. There are no visible cracks in the stock. The metal buttplate has lost most of its finish and begun to patina. The checkering is mostly sharp. The stock rates in about Good to Good+ overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, blued.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. The bore is almost entirely free from erosion or pitting except a small 360 degree band of pitting/erosion about 1.5 inches inside the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show patina scattered throughout. The front sight and muzzle area have a few small patches of surface rust. The trigger guard has turned brown with patina as well. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good+ to Very Good condition for C&R.

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: None.

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, 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. In summary, this Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine is a notable variant of the M1 Carbine produced during World War II by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors. Known for its reliable performance and lightweight design, this rifle served various roles during the war and is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance and quality craftsmanship. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.