I am taking it that bukijin's link means it's going to be a standard production item. Which is great, and what many were hoping for.
I've seen on the Web where people have been getting a hold of them since around August or so, and Marlin was taking a "wait and see" approach to this carbine as far as making it standard.
I'm hoping it comes to pass for the 981TS also. I just might pick up one of those. [EDIT: Well - wish granted. Looks like it's on the site, too!]