Friends, turkey season is coming up and I brought out my old Winchester model 12 and Remington 870 wingmaster to pattern them. Fired a 2.75 turkey load in my Winchester not a problem. Up next my 50 year old 870, BOOM!!! I wasn’t sure what had happened, the burning shell separated from the brass and was ejected as if it were a semi auto the carrier blew into the ground and my extractor and plunger went flying into the woods. The brass remained in the chamber. Other than a small amount of powder burn on my left arm I was unscaved. Took it back inside and the problem was right in front of my eyes. I took the shotgun apart a few weeks ago and FORGOT to put the bolt lock back in the shotgun!! I could not believe my stupidity I looked around my bench and I found it. Given the situation I thank god it wasn’t any worse.