I've noticed that intrest in these carbines, and the following difficulty in getting them, seems to coincide with heavy pushes towards AWB. Talks of and fears of banning the AR and other semi-auto rifles lately have driven prices through the roof and availability through the floor.
I don't think that will happen, but I have been wrong before.
A smart, thinking man would have one or two of these and a revolver or two in the same caliber stashed away for what may come.