[VNgo]

I'm trying to choose a general-purpose pump-action shotgun and figured it would be a good idea to ask around here first. My top considerations are the Benelli Nova and the Remington 870 -- I *really* like the look and features of the Nova, but I've heard the 870 has a reputation for being absolutely reliable with minimal maintenance. I don't really mind if it's a little tricky to field-strip and fix, but with my college schedule I can't spare time to do so *often* -- so simplicity isn't really a factor, but low maintenance is. Reliability is also critical, since this will be my only firearm (other than a BB gun and an airsoft pistol) for quite some time.

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd go with the 870. the stock and the reciever aren't one piece.

[VNgo]

How does that make it worse? It's not like I'm going to be able to retrofit a pistol grip anyway -- California assault-weapons law and all that.

[Black Majik]

The 870 gets my vote.... The classic looks, and the undisputed reliability.

Sooner or later another 870 will be in my possession... ;)

[Ex-Doc]

"How does that make it worse? It's not like I'm going to be able to retrofit a pistol grip anyway -- California assault-weapons law and all that."

Actually, yes you can....pistol grips, folding stocks, detachable mags on pump shotguns in CA are ok. No limits on pumps other than Fed regulations. Semi-auto can't have detachable mags but can have more than 5 round tube mag OR pistol grip not both, no folding stock though.

Don't overlook the Mossberg 500 or 590. The 500 combo sells for $199 at Big-5 (18.5" & 28" barrels).

[Dave McCracken]

Get the 870. When the last Benelli hits the recycling station, the owner of same can take solace in the fact that his 870s are still perking along.

More seriously,while the Nova is a good shotgun, it has neither the track record of the 870 nor the widespread use. Good 870 smiths, if you ever need one, are as common as Guinness in an Irish bar.

Novas rattle, and the triggers run a bit heavy. 870s don't rattle, the triggers are better,and they've proved how long they last and how well they work.

[Andrew Wyatt]

...and you can adjust LOP on the 870 by cutting the stock, using ordinary hand tools.

[romulus]

The biggest drawback to the Nova is that you're stuck with what the folks in Urbino think are the right stock dimensions for you. Make darn sure it fits you before you buy one...

[HerbG]

A couple of things I like about the Nova that persuaded me to buy one. First, it comes with a magazine cut off that allows you to eject the shell in the chamber without feeding a shell from the magazine. Secondly, it is ultra easy to strip and clean. Finally, I purchased the Nova complete with excellent LPA ghost ring sights for a flat $300.

I'm not saying the Nova is "better" than the 870 for you, but it was certainly better for me!

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Have rid myself of all 870's and currently own 2 Nova'a(12 & 20)----IMO-no finer pump gun currently being made.

These are also my beater guns for when I don't want to chance scratching up my nice O/U's.

[Harry Tuttle]

have you tried configing the 12 as a 20?

i would think the frame is the same size
is the feed tube?

does the 20 barrel mount on the 12 frame?

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The 20 is smaller----not interchangable.

[Cam]

I own one of each. If I had to pick one or the other I would go with the Nova. I pick the Nova for pretty much the same reasons as HerbG.

[farscott]

My choice, for the following reasons, is the 870.

1) The sheer number of 870's in existence have spawned a cornucopia of accessories and parts. An owner can easily find new barrels, stocks, chokes, and other parts with no trouble. This allows a dedicated deer gun to become an upland gun, a field gun, or an HD gun. It also allows the owner to easily fit the gun to him or her as well as to easily repair the gun. It allows the gun to be fit to another shooter, just by changing the stock.

2) The 870 has a known record of durability and performance extending over fifty years. While the Nova may eventually reach this record, it has not as of yet. I also like to shoot the same model of shotgun that my father and grandfather have used (a reason I also like the Ithaca M37).

3) The 870 has a shorter pump stroke and feels smoother to me. The only Nova I ever tried had a forend that felt loose and rattled. The 870 feels more substantial to me, and it matches my thought on how a gun should be.

4) The 870 is available in all of the major gauges, from 12-gauge to .410. The Nova is available only in 12-gauge and 20-gauge. If you decide to expand your shotgunning horizons, you might appreciate having just one manual of arms.

5) The 870 is made here in the United States. I rather support an American company if the quality is there, especially in this day of ballooning trade deficits. With an 870, I can do so.

6) I like walnut and polished blued steel. I have that with my 870's and cannot get it with a Nova.

All that being said, I believe the Nova is a fine gun. It is not my choice, but I believe one would serve quite well.

[Smoke]

I suspect I'll always love the 870.

My brother-in-law made the mistake of forgetting his Nova after our last shooting spree. (He lives 5 hours away, so he has to wait until he comes back/we go out there to get it)

After putting a few hundred rounds through this gun I am starting to really like it. Yes, it rattles. Yes, there is no wood on it. But, dang it, I can't find a reason to not like this gun.

I will not sell all my shotguns to chase Benelli's. I will not even sell my 870 to go buy a Nova. But I just might be adding another shotgun to my collection.

Smoke