Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle MFD 1942-44 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1851.01
LSB#: 210925MZ75
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3348775
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.
No Barrel Date
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 / 3348775”. The top of the barrel is marked “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” and “P”. The trigger group is marked “SG” on the right rear which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 78 of Craig Riesch’s book, U.S. M1 Carbines Wartime Production 7th Edition). The hammer is unmarked which is consistent with a post WWII replacement part (page 89 & 185). The magazine release is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 95). The bottom the operating slide is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “SG” on the left lug which was used by Saginaw Gear (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw Gear and others (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 with faded stampings.The right side of the butt is marked “SG in a box” and with a “crossed cannons” cartouche which are Saginaw Gear marks (page 125). The right side of the butt is also marked “MRM” which is a Mount Ranier Arsenal Rebuild stamping (page 183). The second “M” is faded; it is the inspector’s initial. The bottom of the grip is marked “P” which is overstamped by 57 / 338”. The bottom of the forearm is marked “338” and with a faded “57”. The magazine is marked “UN” which is a National Postal Meter mark (page 142 -143).
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 buttplate shows surface erosion. The stock shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal 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 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, and discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows several small scratches. The right side of the receiver and the bolt light thinning from cycling. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are somewhat faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 15 round magazine. It shows light scrapes and a small spot of surface erosion. It is in about Very Good condition.
The 15 round magazine is not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
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 Arsenal Rebuilt at the Mount Ranier Arsenal but still uses mostly Saginaw SG parts including its original “SAGINAW S.G. DIV. / GENERAL MOTORS” marked barrel. The Saginaw Gear markings make the rifle desirable. This M1 Carbine will add to your WWII collection. Good luck.