WWII Saginaw Gear SG M1 Carbine 18”.30 Cal Semi Auto Rifle C&R 1943-1944

SOLD FOR: $1,125.00

WOA#: WY240725TK004

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

Model: M1 Carbine.

Serial Number: 3297331

Year of Manufacture: May of 1943-February 1944

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings:

The top of the barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 4-44 / flaming bomb” and “P”.

The barrel band is unmarked

The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3297331”. The front lug is stamped “X” on the bottom. There is a firing proof punch present.

The mag release is marked “M” and “EI” for Eaton Pond Co. for Inland Division.

The rotary safety is marked “JAO” for J.A. Otterbein

The front sight is marked with a “N” for International Business Machine IBM.

The rear sight is unmarked

The hammer is marked “HI” for Hillerich Machine Company.

The trigger group is marked “S’G’” for Saginaw Gear. This trigger group has the tool indexing mark. The front lug pin that holds the trigger group to the receiver must have been lost at some point and someone has replace it with what appears to be a configured(IE ground down) 16 penny nail.

The lug is unmarked

The slide is unmarked

The upper handguard is unmarked

The oiler is unmarked.

The magazine is marked “PW”

The Sling cut is marked “RSG” for Saginaw Gear Grand Rapids. The right flank has a faint ordinance wheel. Also on the right flank there is a faint boxed “SG” stamp for Saginaw Gear.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears.  The rear sight is the early style flip L type aperture rear sight. The spring steel under the sight has worn out so the sight flops back and forth.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, with two rivet handguard, type 1 barrel band, later rotary style safety and metal checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The upper handguard has very minimal scattered lines, scratches and compressions with no chips or cracks. The stock appears to have been sanded and shows a few lines, a few small compressions and a few chips that have been mostly sanded smooth. The majority of scratches are on the left side in front of the grip. The stock has several cracks the largest one runs straight through from the grip to in front of the magwell, this crack has been repaired and pinned with multiple brass pins. Also the rear of the stock has cracked through the sling cut to the buttplate. The top of the grip has cracked behind the lug as well. The metal buttplate has semi-sharp checkering with finish loss and brown patina beginning to form in and on the checkering. Overall the stock rates in about Fair condition for repaired and C&R given its age.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, blued.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces have turned green / brown from age and show very light surface wear scattered throughout with one notable marr on the top of the barrel. The majority of the wear is on the friction surfaces of the receiver, bolt and slide. The leading edge of the muzzle shows some finish loss. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are mostly Clear throughout. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle includes one “PW” magazine from Midway USA in Excellent condition, and a Tan canvas sling.

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. This example was made in late 1943 early 1944 it features an Underwood barrel manufactured by Underwood Elliot Fisher the famous typewriter manufacturer. This rifle appears to have lived a very interesting life given the use of the nail made pin replacement and the brass pins used to repair the crack in the stock. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.

WWII Saginaw Gear SG M1 Carbine 18”.30 Cal Semi Auto Rifle C&R 1943-1944
WWII Saginaw Gear SG M1 Carbine 18”.30 Cal Semi Auto Rifle C&R 1943-1944