I think you made a wise decision in taking the Genesis over the Optima.I'm sure the CVA fans hate me now huh?. Anyway you can print the rebate form off online or fill it out online at Remington's site,and maybe Cabelas could give you the info needed to fill it out ( the serial number) before the deadline. Worth asking them, especially since it's not your fault it is on backorder. They should have the serial numbers of the ones that they have coming in.If not e-mail remington and see what they say. Good choice and good luck with it.