Rifleman Review: Remington Model 870 DM Shotgun

by
posted on May 19, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Originally introduced in 1950 and with around 11 million produced, the Remington Model 870 is one of the most successful pump-action shotgun designs in American history. Most version of the Remington 870 have traditionally fed from a tube magazine instead of a detachable box magazine, except for the Remington Model 870 DM.

The Remington Model 870 DM magazine-fed, pump-action shotgun.
The Remington Model 870 DM magazine-fed, pump-action shotgun.

The Model 870 DM feeds from a detachable box magazine that can hold six shells. The magazine attaches to an extended aluminum magazine-well housing attached on the underside of the receiver, where shells would normally feed into the tube. The use of a box magazine instead of the traditional tube magazine gives the Model 870 DM the ability to reload faster, as well as change between shell loads in different magazines with ease.

A view of a magazine feeding into the magazine well of the Model 870 DM.
A view of a magazine feeding into the magazine well of the Model 870 DM.

The single-stack magazines are detached with the use of a release paddle located on the front of the magazine well. Other than the additional magazine well, the controls on the Model 870 DM are the same as those found on standard versions of the Model 870. Despite there being some changed to the internals of the Model 870 DM, The tube magazine is still present and serves as a guide for the for-end. 

Cycling the Model 870 DM action.
Cycling the Model 870 DM action.

The Remington Model 870 DM is chambered for 12-ga. with an 18.5" barrel, and can take 3" shells. It weighs in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. with an unloaded magazine. The standard furniture is made from black polymer, though camouflaged options were made available for hunters. Currently, the 870 DM lineup has ceased production, following Remington Outdoors' bankruptcy. The Remington facility in Ilion, NY, has restarted production of the 870 shotgun line, but there's no word on the relaunch of the DM models.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Maryland Bans Glocks and the NRA Responds

Legislation recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore essentially bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market from being sold within the state.

The Armed Citizen® May 29, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.