The 61-K could fire up to 60 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 880 meters per second. It could hit aircraft at altitudes up to 6700 meters. This gun also proved effective as a direct fire field piece for use against enemy light armor, as it could penetrate 37mm of armor at a range of 500 meters. More than 20,000 of these guns were ultimately built, with both land-based and ship-based naval versions seeing action.
For transportation, the gun was mounted on a four-wheeled carriage that could be towed by truck or other vehicle. When deployed for firing, the carriage was supported by four screw jacks for firing stability.