870 DM question

[madzebra]

Hi All,
I have an SBS NFA stamped 870. Is there any chance there's enough compatibility between the 870 and the 870 DM that a gunsmith could take my 870 receiver and 12.5" barrel and turn it into a DM? I've done a ton of work to this thing already but I just can't seem to stop messing with it.

Thanks
madman

[Scorpion8]

Could they? Yes, but there might be some obvious legal issues. Internally everything on one 870 is good for another 870 except the older large-receiver models and certain pistol grips.

[madzebra]

Thanks Scorpion8

[Germansheperd]

Probably be the same money or cheaper to buy another shotgun. Gunsmith fees can be expensive and you can have 2 guns for the price of 1.

[madzebra]

The question for me is whether the only thing that makes a DM is that magazine housing that is screwed into the receiver. So that if you had a DM and took that off, it would still function like a regular 870. Seems like that is what Scorpion8 is saying.

[Scorpion8]

Seems like that is what Scorpion8 is saying.

It'd be an interesting project. The easy piece is to look at the schematics and if it's just an extra part here or there, then you'd be golden. If (e.g.) the whole trigger group/feed ramp is different, then the issue becomes more complicated. I haven't looked into it myself, but you could do some investigation and report back for the community.

[madzebra]

haven't looked into it myself, but you could do some investigation and report back for the community.

I'm sure I will in time and when I do I will definitely report back.