WWII Korea Saginaw Gear M1 Carbine .30 Semi Auto Rifle U.S. C&R Blue Sky
SOLD FOR: $1,250
WOA#: WY231030RS008
Make: Saginaw SG. Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors– Saginaw, Michigan.
Model: M1 Carbine.
Serial Number: 3628513
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.
No Barrel Date
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BLUE SKY / ARLINGTON, VA.”. The top front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. 30 M1” and the top rear is marked “SAGINAW S’G’ / 3628513”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “JM”. There are several proofs on the barrel flat. The right side of the receiver leg is marked with an INLAND manufacture stamp. The hammer is marked “I-I”. The right side of the rear sight is marked “PI”. The safety selector is marked “J.A.O”. The bottom of the op rod block is marked “7161843 / 28627”.
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 II milled 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 III barrel band with sling loop and bayonet lug, sling well, sling pass through, and metal buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a nick on the left side of the stock and a compression on the right side of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle is gray due to refinishing. The grooves are bright and rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs and handling marks. The right side of the receiver and the bolt operational wear. 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: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling, a 30 round M2 magazine marked J, 2x 15 round magazines one marked “U” and one marked “A.I.” in a two-cell magazine pouch, and 2x 30 round “J” marked magazines in a two-cell magazine pouch.
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 such as this one, 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. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
