US WWII Saginaw Gear General Motors M-1 Carbine .30 Cal Rifle 1943 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,185
WOA#: WY240309GJ045
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors
Model: M-1 Carbine
Serial Number: 3404184
Year of Manufacture: Receiver ca. May 1943 to February 1944. Barrel dated July 1943.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings:
The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD / 7-43”.
The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and “SAGINAW SG / 3404184”.
The mag release is marked “M”.
The right lip of the stock near the band is marked “IO”.
The left side of the receiver is marked “SG”.
The left side of the hammer is marked “I-I”.
The right side of the trigger group is marked with an upside down Inland logo.
The right side of the rear sight is marked “I.R.CO.”.
The left side of the buttstock has two faint initials under the sling well.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between 2 protective wings. The rear sight is a Type III stamped sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Type III oval low cut two piece hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, Type II barrel band with sling loop, sling well, sling pass through, and checkered metal buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle is bright with defined rifling. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate operational wear on the action and leading edges. Most of the markings are deep. 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: This rifle comes with a post-war “D-tip” OD canvas M-1 Carbine sling and a US WW2 blued 15 round magazine marked “IU”, denoting manufacture by Underwood.
Our Assessment: Early in WW2, the US military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy M-1 Garand and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911A1 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact, easy-to-handle shoulder arm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size battle rifle. In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester and General Motors’ Saginaw Steering Gear Division, to develop and produce the M-1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David “Carbine” Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful Garand and the short-recoil action of the Thompson Submachine Gun. The M-1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 round used in the Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements. The M-1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II in the hands of US infantry, paratroopers, Marines, and support personnel, and was loved by the troops for its ease of use, compact design, and reliability.
Saginaw Gear M-1 Carbines remain highly sought after by collectors today. There are actually two separate Saginaw Gear manufacturers of M-1 Carbines. Both were General Motors Divisions, but were located in different cities. Saginaw Gear Carbines made in the original Saginaw, Michigan factory are marked “S.G.” or “SG”, like this example. Saginaw Gear Carbines made in the Grand Rapids, Michigan factory are marked “S’G’”. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
