The Saiga is a Kalashnikov variant, semiautomatic, rotating bolt, gas-operated gun that feeds from a box magazine. Recognizable as Kalashnikov-pattern gun (AK-47/AK-74) by the large lever-safety on the right side of the receiver, and the optic mounting rail on the left side of the receiver and the large top-mounted dust cover held in place by the rear of the recoil spring assembly.