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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, a Remington 870 can be 'ghost loaded,' a technique that involves loading one extra shell into the magazine tube beyond its stated capacity. This is achieved by manipulating the action to allow an additional round to be chambered before fully closing the bolt, effectively increasing the shotgun's ready-to-fire ammunition count by one.

Key Facts

Ghost loading involves placing an extra round in the action, not the magazine tube.
This technique increases the readily available ammunition count by one.
It requires a specific manipulation of the bolt and the loading gate.
Ghost loading is a controversial topic, with potential safety and reliability concerns.
The practice is generally not recommended for inexperienced shooters due to the increased risk of malfunctions.

Overview

The Remington 870 is an iconic pump-action shotgun renowned for its reliability, versatility, and widespread use by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Its robust design has made it a platform for various modifications and techniques, including the controversial practice known as 'ghost loading.' This method aims to maximize the shotgun's immediate ammunition capacity, offering a potential tactical advantage in certain scenarios.

Ghost loading, specifically as applied to the Remington 870, refers to a technique where an additional round is loaded into the shotgun's action, over and above the standard capacity of the magazine tube and one in the chamber. This extra round is not fully seated in the magazine but is held in a position that allows it to be fed into the chamber when the bolt is cycled. While it can increase the number of rounds immediately available to the shooter, it also introduces potential complexities and risks that warrant careful consideration.

How It Works

The Process: Ghost loading a Remington 870 involves a specific sequence of actions. After loading the magazine tube to its standard capacity and chambering a round, the shooter partially cycles the pump. This partially extracts the round from the chamber. Then, a single live round is carefully inserted into the action, typically resting on top of the shell stop or against the bolt face. The pump is then fully cycled to chamber this extra round, followed by a final closure of the bolt. The key is that this extra round is not part of the magazine feed system but is physically held in place by the action's mechanism.
Increased Capacity: The primary goal of ghost loading is to increase the number of rounds the shotgun can fire before needing a magazine reload. For a typical 870 with a 4-round capacity magazine tube, ghost loading can bring the total to 5 rounds ready to fire (4 in the tube + 1 chambered + 1 ghost loaded). This offers a significant boost in firepower for situations where quick follow-up shots or extended engagement without immediate reloading are critical.
Operational Nuances: The success of ghost loading relies on the precise manipulation of the shotgun's action. Inconsistent cycling or improper placement of the extra round can lead to feeding failures, stovepipe malfunctions, or other disruptions to the shotgun's operation. It requires practice and a thorough understanding of the 870's mechanics to perform reliably and safely.
Safety Considerations: The introduction of an extra round in this manner can create additional safety concerns. Accidental discharge is a potential risk if the shotgun is mishandled during the loading process or if the extra round is not properly secured. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs, clearing the extra round can be more complicated than clearing a standard chambered round.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Standard Loading	Ghost Loading
Ammunition Count	Standard magazine capacity + 1 in chamber	Standard magazine capacity + 1 in chamber + 1 'ghost' round
Loading Complexity	Relatively simple and straightforward	Requires precise manipulation of the action
Reliability	Generally highly reliable when properly maintained	Potential for increased malfunctions if not executed perfectly
Safety Risk	Standard firearm safety protocols apply	Increased risk of accidental discharge and clearing complications

Why It Matters

Tactical Advantage: For law enforcement or military applications, an extra round can be crucial in critical incidents where every shot counts and reloading time is a luxury. This allows for more engagements before a tactical reload is necessary.
Preparedness: For civilian use, such as home defense, having an additional round ready can provide peace of mind and an immediate increase in defensive capability. It means one less action cycle needed to bring the shotgun to its maximum readiness.
Skill Development: Mastering ghost loading requires a high degree of proficiency with the Remington 870. For those who practice it, it signifies a deeper understanding of their firearm and an ability to perform advanced operational techniques under pressure.

While ghost loading offers a quantifiable increase in ready ammunition, it is a technique that demands a high level of skill and awareness. The potential for malfunctions and the increased safety considerations mean that it is not a practice recommended for novice shooters. Experienced individuals who choose to employ ghost loading should do so only after extensive practice in controlled environments to ensure they can perform it safely and effectively, without compromising the legendary reliability of the Remington 870.