ordering directly from Savage on Instructor dicount

Has anyone very ordered directly from Savage on their Instructors discount program? I was told there would be approx. 8-10 weeks timeframe on the order and no tracking info or order updates and at a hefty 40% off MSRP I'm game for a little waiting time. I spoke to the lady via phone and she said "usually you'll get a call in 8-10 weeks fro your dealer. Just wondered if anyone ever did it and how smooth of a transaction it was. I previously ordered this way from Ruger and they shipped almost immediately and did provide tracking so that's my red flag. I had read about Savage shutting down for a week or two in July and did that affect any shipments to dealers and wholesalers? I don't want to end up waiting 6 months for a rifle.