So glad I found this forum! Getting a saiga 7.62 and converting it was the perfect choice for me. I was thinking about a WASR, but I feel much better getting the russian rifle and converting it myself. I got the kit from CSS and did a quick and dirty conversion before I took it to the range for the first time. I didn't do a bullet guide, I think I will stick to surefire mags for the time being. I need to use US magazines for compliance parts when I put bulgarian furniture on it.
Anyway, just wanted to post thanks for all the resources available here.