[mptrimshop]

well today was the second day in a row that my winchester 1200 jammed up when i need it to work...lost a duck yesterday...and a goose today. I have been using the win 1200 that my grandfather left me to waterfowl for that last few years. It only shoots 2 3/4 shells and i have always prided myself on ..If it was good enuf for one of the best men i ever knew ....it was good enuf for me. Well the jam problem has always been there and i really think i want to upgrade to something that shoots 3-31/2 shells. I'm thinking $500 is my price range. I hunt ALOT in the past 40 days i have been out 30 times......I'm not getting alot of shoots on birds these days so i need a gun that will work EVERY TIME!! I'm leaning towards the Benelli Nova 26 barrel in black synthetic. What do ya think?

[6-gunfun]

does it have toi be semi auto? i use a remington 870 with a pistol grip for ducks love it last time i went out i felt proud 3 teal 3 shots

[mptrimshop]

the nova is a pump gun.. i will not hunt with a pistol grip... i hunt out of flay out blind often

[173rdSkysoldier]

Been there too with a 1200, had to get aggressive with the pumping action. Also, check your plug in the magazine tube; a small diameter plug with square ends will have a tendency to catch up on the spring and not let the gun feed a fresh round. If you want a good reliable shotgun, try a Mossberg with a vent rib, you can't go wrong. Spend the money you save on ammo. I bought a Baikal auto MP-153 (Made in Russia and Remington bought them out) several years ago and its got an adjustable compensator on it a for different loads. I shoot skeet and hunt waterfowl with it......... Love it, its never let me down; neither have my old Mossberg's. Suggest keeping the 1200 as an heirloom.

[juk]

I've got the Nova that you are interested in. Mine has the 28" barrel and a Kick's High Flier choke. The only time it didn't work was when it had a stick in the action and it fires everything thrown in it. I have noticed that the Nova and Super Nova are rather bulky compared to some other options. I personally like the bulkiness. If you don't like plastic, don't even look at Benelli. The reciever, stock, action handle, trigger housing....all plastic or covered with it. What that means to me is I don't have to worry about rust :)

[mptrimshop]

ya.. i really don't like plastic...but i'm not in this for looks. I want birds on the ground and i really don't have a ton of $ to get what i want(super blackeagle) so i have to get what will work.. i'm going to get a new gun in 13 hours... season is wasting away....as of now the nova is my top choice..... The 1200 will not be getting traded in....that gun will stay with me till i die.... Any more suggestions?

[chevyforlife21]

get the nova great gun, chrome bore, ive had or shot all the major brands the nova is one of my favorites

[trigga]

i love my 870, mines shoots 2 3/4 - 3. fairly cheap and doesn't jam, except when i put cheap target ammo in it. rather the ammo not the gun.

[MCgunner]

I wouldn't shoot steel shot through an old 1200 anyway. Is it steel compatible? I doubt it. I've never shot the 1200, LOVE the 1300s, though.

I've been shooting a Mossberg for 20 years. I've lost a few birds to shells hanging up in the chamber. I cussed, I yelled, no biggy, just a lost bird, but it was irritating. I started to doubt the gun, but figured out it was the ammo that wasn't working. I had people tell me that stuff, 3" Xpert hi speed, fouled their 870s, too. Switched ammo, no problems and after 20 years of hard duck and goose hunting, that gun almost pumps itself. I dunk it in salt water regularly and just wash off the mud and strip and oil it up when I get home. The camo finish is amazing. I don't like blued steel and wood in the salt marsh, no way, no how, and standard 870 expresses are rust magnets down here, rust when you take 'em out of the case just from the salt air. That and the sucky ergos, I don't care for 870s at all. Been there, done that, with a Wingmaster.

If I was going to get an auto for waterfowling, right now, I'd heavily favor the Mossberg 935 in camo The reason, though, is ergonomics for a left hander, the tang safety, the lack of a shell elevator in the way when I reload (cold, don't wanna pinch my thumb or glove), etc. Mossberg makes some tough, tough guns. But, I don't need no stinkin' 935, love my 500 and have an H&R 10 gauge I'm favoring for goose hunting lately.

[gfpd707]

supernova. worth the extra

[mptrimshop]

y is the super worth the extra $?

[dak0ta]

Comfortech stock, larger trigger guard, you can change the stock out.

[MCgunner]

But, unless it has a tang safety, it's off MY radar. :D

[DMS]

I have a Mossberg 835 which i love. A couple of my buddies have the nova. I have tried them but cannot get use to the feel of them. They have been very reliable though.

[scchokedaddy]

motor brakes paddle with it, water too shallow pole with it ducks come rinse in river shoot ducks go back to paddling or poling get to landing give it water bath to get mud off, get home wipe and spray next day all obver again. end of season clean for next year. What am I taking about, well of course its the Mossberg 835 with synthetic stock
Good Luck and God Bless :)

[ArmedBear]

Oil. It makes things slippery. Slippery things move easily.:)

I missed a quail or two because of a jammed gun last night. I cleaned it out after a day's hunt with steady snowfall, and I guess I didn't put enough oil in it. It never has jammed before.

[twice barrel]

A good double barrel might be worth considering.

Just sayin :D,

TB

[Riphalman]

I think you should pack up that piece of junk shotgun and send it to me for proper disposal!:)

[SwampWolf]

i will not hunt with a pistol grip

Don't the 1200 and the Nova both have pistol grips? :confused:

[MCgunner]

Don't the 1200 and the Nova both have pistol grips?

Maybe on a Turkey model. Pistol grips on bird guns are pretty dumb IMHO, just totally screws things up for quick shots. If you're set up for the turkey coming from over yonder and are shooting off a rest or something, perhaps. I still don't like pistol grips on shotguns, though, turkey, home defense, whatever. I just could never get used to it or carry it in the field port arms with one. Ich.

[Big Russ]

Hang on a sec... instead of spending X amount of money on a new gun, why not save some and get your 1200 looked at by a gunsmith for considerably less?

[MCgunner]

Nah, you need to give the gun to me. I'll even pay your FFL fees.

Seriously, I don't know if a 1200 is steel compatible, though, but you may have already checked that out.

[gatorjames85]

I have noticed that the Nova and Super Nova are rather bulky compared to some other options
This turned me off of the Nova when I looked at them (YMMV). I would also look at an 870 or if you are willing to pay a little more, a Browning BPS.

[batmann]

Off your radar now, but have you thought about a Browning BPS? I have one is has never failed me. Dual action bars, bottom eject and a tang safety. The only draw back is they tend to be heavier than some of the others mentioned, but since I hunt from a blind, the extra weight helps dampen recoil.

[MCgunner]

Weight doesn't help pointability, but I think the BPS is an excellent waterfowl gun. I may wind up with a BPS 10 some day soon for my goose hunting. A little much in weight and gauge for ducks, but I don't want another 12 gauge, got what I need.

Yeah, BPS is quality, perfect ergos, and they're not THAT expensive, maybe a C note more than your 870/500/835s. I don't think there's anything mentioned here that's a BAD choice, but we all have our preferences. :D

[Turbobuddha]

Am I the only one that thinks that the Nova is just ugly to be seen in public with?

I have a Mossberg 935 (28") I picked up used (low round count) that I have yet to hunt with but it'll bust up clays all day long. So far, it's ran everything I've fed it without fail. The 935 is supposed to be a 3 and 3 1/2 only (the 835 is 2 3/4 and 3) but I have ran a lot of 2 3/4 hi-brass through it and it cycled and locked the bolt just fine. And it patterns very well. Has an overbore barrell. I like it alot.

[juk]

The Benellis are funny feeling at first, but they grow on you quick. I personally don't care if I am seen with a Benelli. I didn't buy it to win beauty contests; I bought it to shoot (and shoot it does!)

[twkremer]

The answer to all: Mossberg 500 :D

[chevyforlife21]

get what ever you like the feel of all the major brands go bang every time and the pardner pump is a awsome gun as well mine had at least 500 shells through it without a problem even firing fast as i could.

[emerson]

Am I the only one that thinks that the Nova is just ugly to be seen in public with?

Yes.


I have a Nova and I like it a lot. Shoots well and is very easy to cycle. One tip is to watch your pinky when you wrap it around the fore stock to cycle the action. There is a gap and it is easy to smash/cut the tip of your finger. I have to hold my Nova in a different way than I do my Mossberg, which does not have the gap and I have never cut myself on.

The Nova isn't a bad design, just different. Once you get the hang of it you'll never notice. They do rattle if you shake them.

[mptrimshop]

and the winner is........

[mptrimshop]

Browning BPS with Dura-touch Mossy Oak Shadow Grass camo. When i felt the action of this gun next to the nova it was not a question of wich gun i wanted. This thing is smooth, I didn't get it with a 3 1/2 chamber it's new unfired and got it all for the LOW LOW used price of $429... do to the fact that the box was missing

[SwampWolf]

Don't the 1200 and the Nova both have pistol grips?

Maybe on a Turkey model. Pistol grips on bird guns are pretty dumb IMHO, just totally screws things up for quick shots. If you're set up for the turkey coming from over yonder and are shooting off a rest or something, perhaps. I still don't like pistol grips on shotguns,

I get it now. You are referring to tactical-type "pistol" grips. For eons the term pistol grip when referencing shotgun stocks described stocks having the typical curved grip found on most American repeaters and some doubles/OUs that were other than straight (English) or "Prince of Wales" configurations. A matter of semantics, I suppose.

[juk]

A store near me was selling brand new BPS 10ga guns NIB for 399 :) If I had the money, I would have bought 3 or 4 and made sure to keep at least one

[mptrimshop]

wow 399..... that must have been black synthetic

[MCgunner]

Dayum, I'd have had to whip out the credit card on that BPS 10, unless I had my wife with me to threaten me. I've been wanting a BPS10 for geese and now that I've found some good public walk in goose hunting, can better justify one. I bought an H&R10 and I like it, but the BPS is just SO cool. I also have a 10 gauge reloader, so if I REALLY got to liking it, I could even load up some duck loads, but I really see the big, heavy 10 as a goose specialist. For more versatility, I'd get the 3.5" 12 gauge if I didn't already have 12s.

I get it now. You are referring to tactical-type "pistol" grips. For eons the term pistol grip when referencing shotgun stocks described stocks having the typical curved grip found on most American repeaters and some doubles/OUs that were other than straight (English) or "Prince of Wales" configurations. A matter of semantics, I suppose.

Well, LOL, yes, 40 years ago if someone would have told me he had a pistol grip stock, I'd have immediately thought the curved stock deal. Now days, in the tacticool 21st century, it's taken on another meaning and I just think "mall ninja". LOL! Does anyone even make an English stock straight grip anymore? Marlin even dropped the 336T (the T was for Texas I was always told) in their lever guns I think. Man, to me, a lever rifle isn't right with a pistol grip style stock and the curved lever.

Anyway, maybe that poster DID mean the curved grip, but I doubt it. Duck hunting with a tacticool pistol grip is even less right than a lever gun with curved lever. LOL In fact, it's down right ergonomically dumb on a field gun. JMHO I suppose. Seems like if you're under 30, you don't agree. :rolleyes:

[SwampWolf]

Does anyone even make an English stock straight grip anymore?

They sure do.The Browning BPS, the Ithaca Model 37 and the Remington Model 1187 (at least as of 2006) are three makers that still do (did recently, in the case of Remington) that come to mind.

[ArmedBear]

English stocks are currently offered on at least some shotguns by Ruger, Browning, Beretta, Guerini, Weatherby, and others. Prince-of-Wales stocks are also fairly common on break-actions, and available on a Browning semiauto or two.

Straight-grip lever- and/or pump action rifles are offered by Marlin (everything except the 336 and 39 lines), Mossberg, Winchester, Beretta, Uberti, Browning.

[mptrimshop]

anyone have a pic of this...straight grip?

[Milkmaster]

Here's a 1187 pictured with an english straight stock

http://www.dotnetconsultant.com/photos/guns/rem1.jpg

[twice barrel]

I was dissappointed with the english straight stocked 1100 I owned and parted with it quickly. Seems ok on a short-barreled 20ga SXS but on anything else I much prefer a standard "Pistol grip" style of buttstock. I also found I prefer a fairly full foreend on an over-under.

My 1960's Winchester 101 was about the nicest handling/feeling/pointing shotgun I ever owned and wish I'd have kept it even though the styling might seem cheesey by some.

And the last auto I owned (Beretta Mallard) was a very nicely balanced and good looking shotgun in my eyes.

The BPS's I had didn't light my candle like I had expected them to. Never did like the Ithaca 37 in the field and short-shucking it might result in a jam difficult to clear in the field. The actions were the same although the Ithaca had a certain "look" I always found appealing.

Looking back upon all the shotguns I either owned or shot only a handful bring that "wish I'd have bought one" or "wish I'd have kept it" thought.

Ithaca 100 26" Imp Cyl/Mod in 20ga always makes that list as does a High Standard 28ga Skeet Choked pump.

Regards,

TB

[MCgunner]

I wouldn't worry a lot about short stroking a BPS or Ithaca. I've used both. They seem to pump themselves. Slickest pumps around IMHO.

I never did care much for the straight grip stocks, either. Now, it is just RIGHT on a lever rifle, but on a shotgun, I guess I'm just not used to 'em. It's all in what you get used to, I guess. I would NEVER get used to a tacticool pistol grip, though, every. :D

[mptrimshop]

pumping this shot gun against every other pump gun in cabela's this thing was BY FAR the nicest one...... just seems to me that almost all new pump shotguns are cheap....and feel that way

[oneounceload]

"English" or straight grip stocks really shine when using double triggers, or carrying a gun all day chasing birds - it seems top impart a little less strain on the wrist while carrying

[mptrimshop]

my gun got it's first bird today!!!

[juk]

no pics?

[Dave McCracken]

Glad to see this,mp.

Re straight grips, I've shot 3 guns with them enough to like them. That's besides a couple single shots,H&R,NEF, etc.

One was a French or Belgian SxS, maker was Didier. Nice little bird gun.

Second was the Stevens "Lupara" I wrote about a while back on TFL.

And third is "Jessica", the little 20 gauge 870 with a worked over stock.

All three were kinda light to very light,and pointed quite well.

On a shotgun I may put a couple hundred rounds through in a session, though, I want more curve to help get the thing seated right where it belongs and to help weld in the mount. And more weight.

But on something that I carry a lot and need to use quickly the English grip works for me. YMMV....

[MCgunner]

"English" or straight grip stocks really shine when using double triggers, or carrying a gun all day chasing birds - it seems top impart a little less strain on the wrist while carrying

Interesting. I know they're popular on doubles. I've never had one on a shotgun. I don't do much upland hunting, but I'd like to try a straight grip on a double. I'd probably learn to like it. I just never shot one. Can't build an opinion out of ignorance, or, well, ya can, but it'd be an based on nothing. :D

Hey, mp, I guess I missed it, but did you get the Nova?

[swampboss]

The Nova is a good choice. I bought one for my 16 yr old son 2 years ago. I use it sometimes when he is in school. I might have to get me one.

[gunsandreligion]

Am I the only one that thinks that the Nova is just ugly to be seen in public with?No. I hate how big the reciever is, other than that I would have bought one, but its so fat I cant even wrap my hand around it all the way. so instead a black stoeger m2000 followed me home and I have no regrets.

[chas08]

Good choice MP. That Browning will serve you well. I've had a BPS 10 ga for 20+ years and it has been flawless. I moved up to an SP-10 last year because of a bad shoulder, but the BPS has its place reserved in my arsenal forever. Good hunting.....chas

[rcl5445]

870 super mag. Mine has been dropped in the river and lake many of time without fail even with ice on the action. Cheap and reliable.

[ArmedBear]

870 super mag. Mine has been dropped in the river and lake many of time without fail even with ice on the action. Cheap and reliable.

Did you post this in the "why not a semiauto for defense?" thread? :D

[RMc]

"well today was the second day in a row that my winchester 1200 jammed up when i need it to work"

What do you mean by "jammed up?" Exactly what happened?

[btm7687]

I just bought a Supernova 12/26" in Max-4 camo the other day and have used it flawlessly. Before that I had a buddy who had a Nova that he has had for a few years and never had an issue. They do seem a bit more bulky, but they are tanks and you can beat the heck out of them with no consequences. Mine is a bird gun and I'll probably use for clays occasionally, but my friend's gun has worked perfectly after many seasons in the fields and blinds. Benelli quality is nothing to laugh at. I think you would be very happy with a Supernova. The ComforTech stock really does help, as well as the adjustable shims.

Sure is a pretty gun IMHO

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/btm7687/Weapons%20of%20Minor%20Destruction/Supernova.jpg

[mptrimshop]

it would shot the fist shell just fine....when i went to pump the second one.....it would lock.....the gun has always needed to be pump with a little "balls".....i just couldn't miss shots on birds anymore. I'm very happy with my BPS....i can't say enuf good things about it thus far

[btm7687]

My mistake...I must have missed back a page where I saw you made your decision. I have no experience with the BPS, but congrats on your purchase and good luck in the field! I'm sure you will not regret your decision

[RMc]

Sounds like the W1200 has worn shell stops. This will lead to magazine double feeds. Until you get both the right and left shell stops replaced, just use the gun as a two shot repeater. It cannot double feed with only one shell in the magazine.

[scotyg]

BPS is a very good gun, i have a 12g in shadowgrass camo that i have not been kind too and it keeps chugging. im a lefty so its a perfect gun for me.

its been used to break ice, paddle boats, retrieve birds, and occasionally shoot things. everybody will say tthe BPS is hard to field strip and your first time it sort of is. putting the trigger group back in is the only part thats harder then an 870 or 500. and after doing it twice it is not hard at all for me.