WWII Saginaw Gear SG M1 Carbine 18”.30 Cal U.S. Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB251030RN004
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 3308751
Year of Manufacture: May of 1943-May 1944, No barrel date.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings:
The top of the barrel is marked “SAGINAW SG GENERAL MOTORS” with a “P” about 5″ back from the front sight. The barrel flat has an “R”.
The barrel band is marked “KI” for Keeler Brass
The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3308751”. The front lug is stamped “R” on the bottom. There is an “SG” marked below the wood line on the left side of the receiver.
The mag release is marked “CCM”
The rotary safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part
The front sight is marked with a “R” Rock-OLA
The rear sight is marked with a shield “H” -Hemphill MFG. Co.
The hammer is marked “IK” and “3”
The sear is marked “RI”. REECE Buttonhole Machine Co. for Inland
The trigger group is marked “N16” on the left side. National Postal Meter.
The lug is marked “SG” Saginaw Gear
The slide is marked “PI” for Packard Inland
The upper handguard is unmarked
The oiler is unmarked.
The magazine is marked “K.I.”
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 later sliding aperture rear sight with a serrated knob.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood, with four rivet handguard, type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, later rotary style safety and metal checkered butt plate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The butt plate has turned brown with age, shows some surface rust in the checkering, and some faint rub wear on the edges. The upper handguard shows some small chips around the rivets. The stock has been repaired between the sling cut and butt plate on the right hand side. The slide cut is larger than it should be indicating a repair. The handguard sits slightly loose and rattles. The rest of the wood shows compressions and scratches. There is a large chip missing from next to the lug. There is a small crack forming on the left side of the lug. Overall the stock is in about Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, blued.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The bore shows some barely visible pitting and some fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
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. You can see where the rifle was cleaned up from pitting under the refinish. The majority of the wear is on the friction surfaces of the receiver and bolt. The charging handle for the slide shows some finish loss. The side of the trigger group show some rub wear. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are mostly clear throughout. There is rust on the front sling ring. The hardware on the sling has surface rust. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair+-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly however the bolt hold open does not always stick. 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 oiler, a 15 round magazine in Good condition and a green 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 and ease of use. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
