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

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

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

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.