Thompson Center. 1-8 twist, 5r rifling and no I don't know if S&W will be having any for sale in the near future, if at all, as the demand for this entry level AR is selling like crazy. I ordered one and I'll get it......someday. They're out there but for the price I paid, I can wait...impatiently.
If I hear or read something that helps, I'll post it here.
Hobie