The Akdal MKA 1919 is a gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun that resembles the M16 rifle and mimics the layout and placement of some of the controls.

The MKA 1919 uses a conventional gas-operated action which is located around the support tube that runs below the barrel.

The return spring is also located around the same support tube which is concealed by an enlarged polymer handguard.

Manual safety also duplicates M16-style being located on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip.

On the upper receiver, an integral Picatinny rail exists which will accept detachable carrying handle or optional red-dot or other optical sight attachments.