I have an 870 also, and if it isnt cocked, it will come out of battery very easily, my buddy has an 870 wingmaster, and it will come completely out of battery by depressing the release on the trigger. Once you got a shell in the chamber, it locks up tight and is solid. Once its fired you will effortlessly send that empty shell through the air. Its a great gun, I shot 24 out of 25 clays on my second time out with it, Have fun