Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine S’G’ SG .30 Semi Automatic Rifle 1942-44 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1108
LSB#: 210609MW74
Make: Saginaw S’G’. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Grand Rapids.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3219818
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, 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible 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’ / 3219818”. The left side of the receiver (under the wood) is marked “5” 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 / 3 – 44” and “P”. The trigger group is marked “ST” on the right rear which is a Standard Products mark (page 78). The hammer is marked “S’G’ ”which was used by Saginaw S’G’ and Irwin-Pedersen (page 89). The magazine release is marked “cc / M” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 100-101 & 185). The rotary safety is marked “J.A.O” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 95 & 185). The inside of the operating slide is marked “PI” which is an Inland mark (page 65). The bolt is marked “S’G’-” on the right lug which is a Saginaw S’G’ mark (page 36). The front sight is unmarked which is consistent with Saginaw S’G’ and others (page 56). The Type III rear sight is marked ”I.R.CO.” which was used by Inland and Winchester (page 29). The Type III barrel band is marked “JM” which is a post WWII rebuild mark (page 59& 185). The stock is unmarked.
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 III 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 buttplate shows light scrapes and light discoloration. The stock shows numerous compression marks along the sides and bottom which have been oiled over. The wood shows other scrapes & scratches. 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 bore is semi bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel has surface erosion showing through the finish. This area also shows discoloration from oxidation. The metal shows scuffs and light scrapes. The right side of the receiver and the bolt show some thinning from cycling. The barrel markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The safety will not fully rotate the “SAFE” position. It only moves halfway. The rifle will still fire when the lever is moved halfway to the “SAFE” position. Have a gunsmith remedy this prior to loading or firing.
The action functions otherwise. 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: There is no magazine. The rifle comes with a green canvas sling. It shows discoloration and soiling on the canvas as well as scrapes on the metal. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Our Assessment: 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. It has since been rebuilt and refinished. This M1 Carbine looks good and is a scarce M1 Carbine to add to your collection.
There are 2 Saginaw Gear manufacturers of M1 Carbines. Both were Divisions of General Motors. They 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.