Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine S’G’ Irwin-Pedersen SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2075
LSB#: 210925MZ57
Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Grand Rapids. This M1 Carbine was built using the remaining parts at the failed Irwin-Pedersen factory in Grand Rapids.
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 1843492
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: August, 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 S’ G’ / 1843492”. The left side of the receiver (under the wood) is marked “W” 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 / 8 – 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 has lost its markings to refinishing (page 100-101). The smooth push button safety is unmarked which is consistent with other manufacturers (page 95). 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 “IPN” which is an Irwin-Pedersen mark (page 56). The Type I rear sight is marked “S” on the left and “B-S’G’ “ on the right which are Saginaw S’G’ marks (page 29). The Type IA barrel band is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw S’G’ 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 “35D”. 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 bottom of the grip is marked with a small “N”. The recoil plate is marked “SG” which is a Saginaw Gear mark (page 138). The magazine is marked “K.I.” (upside down) which is not listed in our source material (page 142-143). Our research indicates it is an Inland subcontractor mark from the Keller Brass Company.
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 butplate shows light surface erosion and a brown patina. The stock shows numerous scrapes & scratches. Most of these marks are light or small but many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. 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: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and intermittent light erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scuffs and light scrapes. The barrel shows light discoloration from oil residue. The right side of the receiver and the bolt light thinning from cycling. Most of the markings are deep. The barrel markings are lightly faded. 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: The rifle comes with a 15 round magazine that shows light marks. It is in Fine condition. The rifle comes with a canvas sling. It shows light discoloration & soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes & oxidation on the metal. 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 S’G’ M1 Carbine was built sometime between 1942 and 1944 from the remaining parts at the failed Irwin-Pedersen factory in Grand Rapids. This rare M1 Carbine has been refinished so it looks pretty good for its age. The rifle has lots of nice marks on the metal & wood which add to its history. 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 an original part.
This Saginaw S’G’ M1 Carbine will add to your WWII collection. Good luck.