Quick update on this mess.
Out of fear of the trigger seizing like that becoming a regular theme (and it being less than 2 months old) I reached out to SA as opposed to a local gunsmith and SA advised to send back under warranty. While i'm relieved it will be taken care of, i'm really disappointed that I ran into such an issue so early in the life of the rifle. I was really looking forward to putting some time in with it.
I appreciate all the advice and time. I know I had some probably laughable questions, but after stripping, cleaning, and reassembling my M400 Tread so easily and with no issues, I was second guessing everything on this one and very nervous about doing something wrong and voiding my warranty.
Thanks again and i'll let yas know when it comes back.