Which One?

[Singer B]

I have the opportunity to try and purchase one of three M1's that will be up for sale at the end of this month. The first one is a Winchester (5.6) that has been through the Type 3 refurb. The second one is a NPM (4.1) that has also received the Type 3 refurb. The last one is the one that intrigues me the most. It is a Saginaw SG (3.3) that appears to be in pretty good shape and in Type 1 configuration (see attached photos). I had the following questions:

1. Which if these 3 would be best in a collection ? (I already have an Underwood, Inland and Standard Products)

2. Based upon the photos, does the Saginaw appear to be the real deal (correct stampings, etc.)?

Price is not an issue as I expect each of these to sell in the range of a $1,000 to $1,500. I can only afford one (its my Christmas present this year).

I truly appreciate everyone's advice and recommendations. Thanks!

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Information

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[usabaker]

I'd get the Saginaw, but that's because I'm biased and they are my favorite.

[W5USMC]

Since the Saginaw has an Underwood rebuild stamp on the stock I am guessing that it is a "Correction" and not original. Is that a stake mark at the right rear behind the flip sight? Need some more pictures, are any of them import marked?

[Singer B]

Since the Saginaw has an Underwood rebuild stamp on the stock I am guessing that it is a "Correction" and not original. Is that a stake mark at the right rear behind the flip sight? Need some more pictures, are any of them import marked?

I only have the photos provided by the auction house. I thought that was a rebuild mark on the stock and thus my questioning of the SG and crossed cannons stamp (fake?). The auction photos usually show import Mark's and none of the 3 rifles have any import mark photos posted.

[W5USMC]

The SG and Crossed Cannons look legit to me.

[USGI]

Stamps on the stock look OK to me, but may have been cut down from "high wood" to low - looks like you can see where the "high wood" ended. Has correct front sight, but doesn't the finish on the receiver and barrel look a bit suspect? - Bob

[lboos]

I like the Saginaw.

[painter777]

Singer,
Any way you could show some pics of the WRA and NPM?
To decide I'd have to see all 3.
I try not to buy by maker names but by examples, the nicer the better. But with that said I understand the 'Wanting one of every maker'. Warning it snowballs after achieving that goal.
Then it's one from every makers serial number block etc, etc, and goes on until the Wife and Kids have a intervention.
Don't underestimate the value of a legit Rebuild.. No one fakes a Rebuild. And they are the majority of what we and most other people have seen.
All are interesting but the finish on the SG stood out to me at first look, maybe the lighting?
The stock is a cut down Hi-wood to Low wood and showing some butt plate hang over. Stock may be original to the action, but draws questions with a post War Rebuild stamp on it makes it's hard to believe all they (UEF) did was cut down the stock then stamp the .U.
Maybe the action is original barreled receiver, front sight and barrel band. And the stock replaced by a previous owner? But a closer look at the rear sight, it's markings and staking is warranted IMO.
If the parts are real, it seems to be fairly priced. Though I admit to disliking Buyers Premiums.

I should add that I live pretty much in between the Grand Rapids S'G' (West) and Saginaw SG (North East) production plants. Either are sought after pretty hard in my area and seem to pull a premium over other makers.

Good Luck,

[deldriver]

Just because a carbine has a rebuild mark doesn't mean that it's been totally rebuilt. I'm talking generally there and not specifically about the Saginaw though. I have Quality Hardware that went through RIA and the only thing that for sure got changed was the sear to a type 3.

[Singer B]

Here is the Winchester....sanded stock??

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