Benelli Nova 20 ga

[Navy87Guy]

I got a chance to handle a Benelli Nova 12 gauge at my shotgun class today and I was fairly impressed. I have a Saiga 12 semi-auto that I really like, so I'm not really in the market for another 12 gauge. But I was thinking that the Benelli in 20 gauge would be a nice addition for my wife for HD.

I've looked around and the only thing Nova 20 ga I can find is in woodland cammo. Do they make a standard black version?

Any feedback on the Nova - and the 20 gauge in particular??

Thanks.

Jim

 

[JC_68Westy]

I just bought a black Nova 20ga for my wife for HD last month. She finally shot it a week ago and really enjoyed it. The recoil was nothing like she felt with the 12ga.
I have a 12ga black Nova for me and really enjoy shooting it. The felt recoil seems significantly lighter than with my Winchester Defender and Mossberg 500.

 

[Navy87Guy]

Thanks -- that's good to hear.

I really love my Saiga -- but I think it's a bit complicated for an HD weapon when something goes "bump" in the night. Besides, I think after the first time she fired it my wife would put it down and walk away! I liked some of the features of the Benelli, and I think 20 ga will be a better fit for her. I'll have to start checking around for one.

Thanks again!

Jim

 

[Shark32]

My only two shotguns are the Saiga12 and the Benelli Nova 12. I highly recommend them both. The nova is extremely easy to disassemble BTW. For the price, you will never regret buying it. look for the pistol grip and short barrel for a HD Nova

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/GAbenelliSN_073106A.jpg

 

[chris in va]

I had a Nova 20ga...couldn't warm up to it. Stock isn't replaceable, fairly stout recoil for a 20ga and the action just isn't smooth at all. I missed many shots simply because the thing wouldn't cycle properly. Keep in mind too that parts (chokes, sights etc) are near impossible to find at your local store, at least in my experience.

You might be better off with a 20ga Mossberg Bantam if she's small of stature. Very slick action.

BTW, why not the Saiga 12 for HD? Doesn't recoil much, autoloader and dependable...

 

[Navy87Guy]

Thanks for the info.

I'll take a look at the Mossberg. I see they make a Super Bantam that includes a rifled barrel and spacers to adjust the LOP at the buttstock.

Chris, I am perfectly content to use the S12 for HD. I'm just not sure it's the right thing for my wife if I'm not around. The mags make it a little harder to operate and it's a fairly bulky and heavy weapon. I was thinking that a smaller 20 gauge would be easier to handle and the recoil would be manageable (although it wouldn't surprise me if the 20 gauge pump was about the same as the 12 gauge semi-auto).

Jim