Yes, most likely the brass shortage. Actually there was also an aluminum shortage, that is why some M8 and M2A1 rods were made with Steel T Handles.

The puzzling thing is certain items went back to being made in brass, others were permanently changed to steel, and I cannot figure any reasoning as to why some were and others weren't.
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread
This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.