There is an interesting article on the low number Springfield receiver written by an epidemiologist at this URL: http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/
The author performs a study based on the overall data and findings from several sources, including arsenal records. His conclusions run counter to the popular mythology. Especially, that the First Marine Division used low-number Springfields at Guadalcanal and did not have a single failure in four major battles.
He also suggests that poorly heat-treated and annealed cartridge brass is a cause that has not been thoroughly investigated. Wartime production is often suspect due to the rush to deliver by schedule. Yet, there is passing mention in the reports of the cartridge brass and no investigation by the Army Board of this condition as a contributing factor.
While I do not want to sound as if popular mythology is incorrect, I do find the interpretation of the overall data intriguing.
Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest