WWII Saginaw Gear S.G. M1 Carbine 18”.30 Cal Semi Auto Rifle C&R 1944
SOLD FOR: $1,401.00
LSB#: WY241010CF042
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 3501583
Year of Manufacture: May of 1943-February 1944, Most likely Early 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW S.G. / 3501583”. The side of the receiver below the wood line is marked “SG”.
The barrel flat has a light flaming bomb stamp.
The front of the barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” and a “P” about mid length.
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass Co.
The bayonet lug is unmarked
The slide is marked “7160091 SG X” for Saginaw Gear
The front sight is unmarked
The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.
The right rear of the trigger group is marked “SG” for Saginaw Gear
The mag release is marked “M” and “H.I.”
The upper handguard is unmarked.
The recoil lug is marked “SG” for Saginaw Gear.
The stock is unmarked
The oiler is unmarked
The mag carrier is marked “AVERY 1943”
Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches
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 four rivet handguard, a type three barrel band with bayonet lug, and a cross bolt safety. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock appears to have been sanded and refinished. The stock shows very few scattered lines, compressions, rub marks and scratches mainly on the nose. There are a few small chips out of the leading edge of the pommel that have been sanded down. The metal buttplate retains its metal finish and has sharp checkering. The upper handguard shows basically no wear. There is a small crack forming from the recoil lug. Overall the wood is in about Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original and Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows a muzzle of 1.5. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The friction surfaces on the receiver and flat bolt show very minor wear. The wings of the rear sight show some finish loss. The balance of the finish shows some scattered very light handling wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good+ to Excellent 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 an extra bolt, a 10 round pro mag magazine in Excellent condition, a green canvas sling, and a green canvas two mag stock mounted pouch.
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 and 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. 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.
