The MG-312 is based on the Soviet AK mechanism and features many elements of older machine gun designs. It is a gas-operated weapon using a long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, and fires from the open bolt position. The MG-312 is belt-fed and the non-disintegrating link belt is usually carried in a metal box attached to the weapon. The barrel can be changed but is not of a quick-detachable design. Some of the MG-312s are fitted with optics or night vision sights, although this is uncommon. Besides the infantry version, there are variants for tripod, pintle mount and coaxial use.