confused on Saginaw

[dnikkor]

Hi guys,
I am considering buying from a distance what I thought is a Saginaw S'G' according to the stamp, but is believed to be a Saginaw SG according to its serial number. Can anybody offer illumination? As always, thanks to you helpful experts.

Information

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[Maniac]

That is indeed a Saginaw S'G'(Grand Rapids) that bears a serial # assigned to Saginaw S.G.(Saginaw). That wasn't unusual as they shared serial numbers in the interest of expediency.
Of course, the serial number ranges that S'G' used were originally assigned to Irwin-Pederson and there was approx. 50,000 IP receivers utilized by S'G' in their production.
Still confused? Welcome to the wonderful world of Saginaw!
HTH, really!

[painter777]

Would that be a wide or narrow rear tang?

Charlie-painter777

[BrianQ]

The reason there are S’G’ carbines with SG serial numbers is because there was only one Saginaw Gear contract with carbines even though carbines were produced at two facilities. When the Grand Rapids facility used up all the serial numbers in the former IP blocks the tail end of Saginaw Gear’s initial contract was used at Grand Rapids and Saginaw Gear proper moved on to their second serial number block.

[dnikkor]

So it seems my lying eyes didn't deceive me. Thank you all for clearing up (some of) the confusion. Apples to apples, is it safe to assume that the S'G' carbines in the IP-serial range are theoretically more valuable than the ones in the S.G.-serial number range? This one has some real preferred early features, but also will need a bunch of TLC. Unfortunately won't know what the guts hold prior to buying, but would not be surprised to see a number of Saginaw parts. The barrel is S.G., which I also assume would be kosher. The peep sight is marked B-S'G' and unfortunately the high wood stock is horribly and permanently disfigured. Thanks again all!

[painter777]

dnikkor,
Best thing you could do is post any pictures you may have of it.

Regards
Charlie

[landtrain]

Saginaw S'G' were built from any left overs from the S.G. plant as well as other makers. I have seen S'G' guns with S.G. components as well as IP parts and serial numbers. However, seldome will you see a factory installed S'G' part on a S.G. receiver. The General Manager of the GM gun plants, said that his job was to make Carbines and not worry about serial numbers or who would eventually wind up with what gun. (Source: Interview with Mr. William Doufner, GM of the General Motors gun plants, conducted by the Carbine Club circa 1980's) Rule of thumb for Saginaw made M1 Carbines. What you see might well be correct. Never say never when Saginaw is concerned. If you are not already a member of the Carbine Club, I recommend that you join and buy the complete set of news letters. (The Carbine Club PO Box 235 Medway, MA.02053-0235)The newsletters go back to 1970. HTH.

[dnikkor]

Could anybody venture an educated guess on the manufacturing date for this carbine?
Here are some more photos as per Charlie's suggestion.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/Sagsight.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/Sageband.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/Sagband2.jpg

[Maniac]

Could anybody venture an educated guess on the manufacturing date for this carbine?

Is the barrel dated?

[dnikkor]

No, it is marked:
Saginaw S.G. Div.
General Motors