Rifleman Review: Remington Model 870 DM Shotgun

by
posted on May 19, 2021
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

Beretta 20x new for 2025 pistols handguns right-side view tip-up barrel
Beretta 20x new for 2025 pistols handguns right-side view tip-up barrel

New For 2025: Beretta 20X Bobcat

Beretta has now applied its "X" modernization treatment to the .22 Long Rifle-chambered Bobcat design, resulting in the new 20X Bobcat for 2025.

Preview: Galco SB30 Masterbilt Holster Belt

Robust construction is necessary for a belt to deliver standup performance on a daily basis, especially when fitted with accessories such as gun holsters.

Gun Of The Week: Canik USA Mete MC9LS

This slightly upsized version of the original Canik Mete MC9 micro-compact offers a bit more in capacity and sight radius without compromising on concealability.

The Armed Citizen® March 21, 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.

Review: Savage Arms A17 Sporter In .17 WSM

Featuring a casehardened steel receiver and button-rifled barrel, the Savage A17 Sporter delivers hard-to-beat semi-automatic rifle performance when paired with Winchester's hot-rod rimfire cartridge, the .17 WSM.

NRA Publications Honored With Excellence In Safety Award

“It is a pleasure to present the Excellence in Safety Award for Q4 to NRA Publications,” said Karen Butler, founder and president of SLG2. “NRA Publications has a strong voice in the outdoor industry, and we admire its commitment to its readers and their emphasis on firearm safety.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.