Lock up or Head space

[Z41]

I have a 65 year old 870. When fired you cannot eject the empty UNLESS you release all tension on the forearm / pull it forward slightly which then releases the action and of course ejects the empty. I shot a round of trap this way, but the next week it failed to fire. I tend to hold the gun tightly when shooting, applying much pressure to the forearm. I shoot my 75 year old Model 12 the same way, but it goes "BANG" and I can pump the action. So help ideas.....please, thanks.

[Synchronizor]

I would inspect the action bar lock and action bars for wear or burrs that might be keeping them from moving against each other the way they're supposed to. As for the fail-to-fires, it could be a worn firing pin that's out of spec with regard to protrusion past the breechface. A worn, weak hammer spring could also be contributing to both issues.

[Z41]

Thanks Sync. I'll be checking that out.