1944 WORLD WAR II Era U.S. SAGINAW M1 Carbine .30 Caliber Light Rifle WW2 By SAGINAW STEERING GEAR DIVISION of GM!

Product Description

1944 WORLD WAR II Era U.S. SAGINAW M1 Carbine .30 Caliber Light Rifle WW2

By SAGINAW STEERING GEAR DIVISION of GM!

Here we present a Saginaw U.S. M1 Carbine Semi-Automatic Rifle, manufactured in 1944 by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle was first used by the United States Armed Forces on October 22, 1941. There was a total of 6,110,730 carbines made of all types during the war. Saginaw carbines were produced at two different locations between 1943 and 1944 with identification codes determining the location. The identification code of “S’G” indicated that the carbine was produced their plant in Saginaw, Michigan. A total of 293,592 carbines were produced at this location. The identification code of “S’G’” indicated that the carbine was produced at their plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A total of 223,620 carbines were produced at this location, making the grand total of Saginaw carbines manufactured at 517,212, which was about 8.5 % (293,592 or 4.8% in Saginaw and 223,620 or 3.7% made in Grand Rapids). Despite having a similar name and appearance, the M1 Carbine is not a carbine version of the M1 Garand rifle. They are different firearms and use different ammunition.

Prior to World War II, U.S. Army Ordnance received many reports that the full-size M1 Garand was too heavy and cumbersome for most support troops, such as mortarmen and radiomen to carry. During prewar and early war field exercises, it was found that the M1 Garand impeded these soldiers’ mobility, as a slung rifle would frequently catch on brush, bang the helmet and tilt it over the eyes. Many soldiers found the rifle slid off the shoulder unless slung diagonally across the back, where it prevented the wearing of standard field packs and haversacks. Additionally, Germany’s use of glider-borne and paratroop forces to launch surprise ‘blitzkrieg’ attacks behind the front lines generated a request for a new compact infantry weapon to equip support troops. This request called for a compact, lightweight defensive weapon with greater range, accuracy and firepower than handguns, while weighing half as much as the Thompson submachine gun or the M1 rifle. The U.S. Army decided that a carbine would adequately fulfill these requirements and specified that the new arm should weigh no more than five pounds and have an effective range of 300 yards. Paratroopers were also added to the list of intended users and a folding-stock version would also be developed.

The M1 carbine was also one of the most cost-effective weapons used by the United States military during World War II. At the beginning of World War II, the average production cost for an M1 carbine was approximately $45, about half the cost of an M1 rifle at approximately $85 and about a fifth of the cost of a Thompson submachine gun at approximately $225. The .30 Caliber carbine ammunition was also far cheaper to produce than the standard .30-06 ammunition; used fewer resources, was smaller, lighter, faster and easier to make. These were major factors in the United States military decision to adopt the M1 carbine, especially when considering the large numbers of weapons and ammunition manufactured and transported by the United States during World War II.

The overall condition is good. The action is strong. The bore remains in good shape. All marking are clear. The barrel is underwood marked, with the receiver reading “SAGINAW S’G”. The receiver tang is Standard Products marked. The crosses cannons on the right buttstock are faint, but legible. The right wrist is marked “RRA-C” notating a rebuild at Red River Arsenal. A square sans serif “P” is stamped on the bottom of the hand grip. A great piece of history and a great rifle!

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 18 inches.

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

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$2595
#201758