For new production I believe you are limited to Riley but I haven't had one to see how the quality is. Sucks Zastava doesn't make one. There are a few kit builds on the barfcom EE for around $1400.
Hopefully Robinson runs and gets it next year.
As for the NC/VA question, I've always been in NC and have had no problems out in the country of a small county.
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/
There are 4 banners scrolling across the home page, click on the pirate one and it will take you to the SPR page. You will need to go back on the 19th though for the cheaper price.
The lites as mentioned would be fine but will need to be threaded. I went with the Varmint and mailed it off for threading.
Maybe try one of our site sponsors to see if they will sell you a new one and thread it before shipping to your local FFL.
The ctr and super varmint models are threaded...
A 12.5" 6.8 with a 5" can is my main deer rifle, works very well. Todd beat up hogs for a while with them also.
The 2 options you listed will be nice but you could build one much cheaper. No advantages for the Six8 magpul mags, not even a longer coal vs metal, many solid metal mags out there...
Best bang for the buck here, https://www.blackstonearms.com/AR-Performance-5-56-CLE-12-5-SBR-Pistol-Barrel-p/arp556125.htm
Out of your choices, a 12.5" mid CLE would my pick if not going ARP.
I love my 12.5" middy with a can, best SBR setup imo.
USA version, new in box. Glass came from Cameraland. $900 shipped FIRM to the lower 48, discreet pp f&f, check or m/o. May trade for some high end 10x42+ binos like Meopta, Swar, etc, not interested in other trades.
The WC should shoot better than that. Definitely try some better ammo, Remington would be my last choice for accuracy testing.
I don't have any targets saved but my 12.5" ARP can easily do 1" groups at 100yds with factory 120gr SST's and a tbac 30PSS hanging off the end. My 18" wasn't any more...
FF will not help you with 2A related items, will get both accounts locked with money in those accounts frozen. GS will get you a 1099 if you use it enough. Your best bet is feedback and a phone call.
I haven’t tried the Zev but Mega used to be the standard when a ambi was needed. They are the same design.
If I had to get one now, maybe Seekins or Radian.