Its theoretical rate of fire was 850 rounds per minute, although United States Air Force tests of captured weapons achieved an actual rate of fire of only 650 rounds per minute.

The NR-23 was later replaced by the Afanasev Makarov AM-23 automatic cannon which had a higher firing rate.

It was a gas-operated weapon, weighed 43 kg (95 lb) and was capable of a substantially higher rate of fire (1,200–1,300 rounds per minute).

Published accounts state that a Nudelman-Richter gun was installed on Almaz 2 space station.

[1][2] On the final day of the Almaz 2's deployment, the cannons were tested by firing a total of 20 rounds.