Part of the problem is that Briggs is dropping the Simplicity and Snapper mower lines. Another problem is that Briggs is only a shadow of its former self. I have been many parts NLA now. Just keep Googling and calling various suppliers as one might have it on hand but Briggs does not have it in stock.
I even came an engine this Summer that was only two years old that only a handful of parts were available. Needless to say the ignition that failed was not one of them. Briggs excuse was that the engine was made by a sub contractor that has since gone belly up so Briggs is not responsible for the lack of parts. Just another nail in their business coffin.
And this seems to be the path most Chinese associated companies are doing now. Selling engine without supporting them when they break down. Just had a Loncin engine in the shop that I couldn't get parts for and the customer left pissed that he got burned by Loncin.