I have a saiga 223 that I converted, and added an MSA mag block so it takes AR mags. That way I had cheap mags already, and release was now like an AR and not an AK.
depends on the dealer. They are in a sporting configuration, rifle stock and lower capacity mag without modification. It also uses the AK action. I have been looking for a stock .308 Saiga and my FFL says its a regular unregulated hunting rifle in it's stock configuration. I just wish they had a 54r Saiga as I have that stuff all over the place.
I bought my Saiga .308 unregulated in the sporter configuration, no waiting period. I converted it and added Bulgarian AK74 furniture from APEX, $25.00. Of course the trigger assembly and other parts cost more but I still built it fairly cheap.