I called H&R (in North Carolina) two weeks ago and was told that they are restructuring and the extra barrel program is going away after January 1.

I wanted a 44 mag barrel fitted to my carbine frame and the rep said that they had no idea what barrels remain since they have been unable to get a list from Ilion. He suggested I send it (to Ilion) and issued a service request number. My frame and fore end got there last Tuesday. I'll post any status updates.