Benelli Nova 12ga

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DustyGmt

DustyGmt

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I own a few shotguns here and there but I rarely bring them along to shoot, I mostly shoot handguns, AR's but I've had the itch lately to start shooting clays and stuff and was wondering what the overall quality is of these Nova series shotguns? Are they sturdy like 500 sturdy or no.

This one caught my eye and I thought $220 for a benelli sounded fishy low, is it cheap or is it just a newer low budget really affordable quality shotgun?

I looked them up but I havent found this particular model after searching for a while I cant determine if this is an aftermarket stock or not. Either way for the price I'm thinking of picking it up, not just because its tacticool or whatever, I would be just as happy to see a M500 for that price, it just kind of has that Benelli M4 aesthetic to it so idk. Anybody own one? Do you like it, hate it? IMG_20200222_001536.jpg
 
A defense stock with a pistol grip hanging down is not a good clays gun. If you want it for 3 gun and maybe an occasional back yard clay fling, get it, but it will probably not serve you too well out on a skeet, trap or sporting clays course.
 
In my opinion, the Nova is one of the most durable, reliable pumps on the market. It’s the Glock of the shotgun world. I’ve had mine for nearly 20 years and it is my bad-weather hunting alternative.

That being said, it takes a long, purposeful stroke to get the shells in and out. I had one like the one you’re interested in and found myself short-stroking it. I don’t have the issue with the standard stock, but the different position caused me to do this. Like anything, practice will overcome.

I would struggle with anything but the most casual clay adventures with any pistol grip
 
I have the SuperNova that I don’t shoot much any more. The reason being is that I stopped duck hunting. It is the very best bang for your buck waterfowl gun that will take 3 1/2” shells.

After hard conditions hunting, it really loses a lot of utility value. It’s OK for everything else but really excels on the water. I prefer 2 3/4 chamber and 20 ga for everything else that I do so the Nova gets a break for now.
 
The Nova series IMO is not as durable as a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. They are prone to breaking forearms, and trigger group parts. That defensive model doesn't have much utility for traditional shotgun uses, and stocks and barrels for them are expensive.
 
rule303 said:
The Nova series IMO is not as durable as a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. They are prone to breaking forearms, and trigger group parts. That defensive model doesn't have much utility for traditional shotgun uses, and stocks and barrels for them are expensive.
Click to expand...

My experience has been quite different. An 870 made today compared to a Nova built today, I’d take the Nova hands-down. I’ve put thousands of rounds as a backup clays and trap gun and hundreds hunting. I’d put my money on the Nova way before a current Remington or Mossberg
 
earlthegoat2 said:
I have the SuperNova that I don’t shoot much any more. The reason being is that I stopped duck hunting. It is the very best bang for your buck waterfowl gun that will take 3 1/2” shells.

After hard conditions hunting, it really loses a lot of utility value. It’s OK for everything else but really excels on the water. I prefer 2 3/4 chamber and 20 ga for everything else that I do so the Nova gets a break for now.
Click to expand...

This. I bought a Supernova and shot the snot out of it - ducks, doves, you name it. Now it’s just not interesting. Even took it turkey hunting a few times. No issues, ever. Just nothing to get excited about. I think one of my boys has it now.
 
I’m a big fan of them. My 20 ga Nova has been my go-to dove and walk about hunting gun for close to 20 years. I’ve never really noticed the pump being harder to run than any other pump. A plus is the grip texture works well with gloves and cold hands in the rain. They’re really easy to clean too. I’ve noticed they have tighter chambers than Remingtons, but that was only a problem with reloads fired in another gun. Nothing I couldn’t fix by tightening the sizer collet.
 
I think that is a good price for a used one. That is about 1/2 what a new one goes for, but that type of stock may be harder to sell. People either love em or hate em. I'd normally expect the price to be about $300, but if it's been sitting a while there may be a motivated seller.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...i+supernova+tactical+12ga+black+shotgun+20150

I think they are durable well made guns. I just can't get used to the ergonomics.
 
The price is reasonable. A buddy loves his as an all around hunting gun. If you're going to bird hunt with it, decide if the extra cost of getting another barrel and stock is worth it.
 
I shot one for 7 seasons. It functioned fine, was well built, sturdy, and reliable. No jams or failures to feed. It was easy to load, had a magazine cut-off feature which was nice, easy to maintain, and it fit me well. I ended up selling it because I wanted heirloom quality guns which means blued steel and walnut. For waterfowl it was the best for that role. Only complaint was it's a bit thick in the receiver so not quick to wield or single hand carry in the field. Well designed shotgun, buy IF it fits you.

I shoot Wingmasters, Featherlights, and Auto-5's now. More maintenance required, but the handling characteristics are much nicer and they're nice and slim in width.
 
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