Saginaw M1 Carbine
Saginaw Steering Gear Division, General Motors · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1943
Also known as: Saginaw S'G' M1 Carbine, Saginaw Steering Gear M1 Carbine
Overview
The Saginaw M1 Carbine was produced by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors, a prime contractor for the U.S. M1 Carbine in World War II. Saginaw built carbines at its plant in Saginaw, Michigan and, after taking over the failed Irwin-Pedersen contract in early 1943, at a second plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan whose output was marked 'S'G''. Across both plants Saginaw produced roughly 517,000 carbines. The Grand Rapids 'S'G'' guns are distinct collector items, while the Saginaw, Michigan plant guns are marked 'SAGINAW S'G''.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2480 g (87.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2770 g (97.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 905 mm (35.63") |
| Barrel Length | 458 mm (18.03") |
| Height | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 607 m/s (1991 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1311 J (967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1829 m (2000 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 40 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .30 Carbine · primary — also known as 7.62x33mm, .30 M1 Carbine
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Push Button Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Detachable Box Magazine, Lightweight Design, Adjustable Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Bayonet Lug, Sling Swivels
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1943 · as Carbine, Caliber .30, M1
Conflicts
- World War II (1943-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Estimated total produced: 517,000 · Production years: 1943-1944
Combined Saginaw, MI and Grand Rapids, MI ('S'G'') plant output
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frederick Humeston / William Roemer (Winchester)
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
Two production sites: Saginaw, MI ('SAGINAW S'G'') and Grand Rapids, MI ('S'G''). The Grand Rapids plant was the former Irwin-Pedersen facility, taken over after that contractor failed to deliver acceptable guns.
Background
Saginaw Steering Gear stepped in to rescue carbine production at Grand Rapids after Irwin-Pedersen could not qualify a single acceptable gun, marking those receivers with the distinctive 'S'G'' code.