So this fellow's expertise is where? Statistics. He figured all this out while sitting in his LazyBoy with his calculator. Its all about numbers and ratios of numbers. Does he know anything at all about metallurgy? Nope. He's a medical doctor not a metallurgist. His numbers have concluded that your low number 03 is perfectly safe to shoot due to his findings, his numbers. This fellow's numbers should never be included in any discussion on the safety of 03 Springfield low number receivers.
There are *still* low number 03 receivers failing up to the present day. Why they fail should be studied and viewed in the total context of the issue, which is pretty much impossible given the number of opinions shared. Most carbon steel case hardened receivers will fail given similar treatment. This is certainly true, even my favorite 98 Mauser action. But if you look at numbers, statistics and ratios you also need to look at *probability* of failure. How do you mitigate the risk of failure? Simple. Don't shoot it.
Present day failure:
http://www.jouster2.com/forums/archi...p/t-58765.html
WARNING ON “LOW-NUMBER” M1903 SPRINGFIELDS
https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service...e-information/
CMP does not recommend firing any Springfield rifle with a ”low number” receiver. Such rifles should be regarded as collector’s items, not “shooters.”
Is a low number 03 worth less than a high number 03? No, not at all. A low number 03 in pristine as-mfg condition is worth a considerable $$$$ due to its being a historical artifact. Its worth is not based on its firing ability.
Dutch