I finally found a great deal on a Saiga at pre-Obama pricing. I was about to purchase one at Peach State Guns when I saw this beauty for sale on a local site. I plan on keeping it in this configuration and converting a 7.62 model later in the future. I want to thank everyone here for all the insightful post I have used for research.
16" Izhmash Saiga .223 with 4x24 POSP AK scope and bi-pod