Benelli Nova owners: problems?

[Bryson]

My friend, who I thought I had sold on an 870 or a 1300, came to me on Saturday night and said that on the words of his brother, he very likely would get a Benelli Nova. While aesthetically I can't say I am a big fan of the Nova, I haven't heard much about it either good or bad. My friend (Wade, by name) said that his brother (Marshall) had said that when he picked it up, it was very easy to handle, felt very good in his hands, and seemed to just fit. Wade also mentioned that Marshall told him how cheap they were, and that they were a very good bargain.

For the price, from what I've seen, they do seem to be a good bargain, but after a search of these forums, all I really came up with as far as issues go is a loose forend that rattles a bit. There was a thread about replacing the safety with a larger and easier to reach version, and lightening the trigger pull, but those are more user-specific issues, in my opinion. Correct me if I'm wrong, however.

What I'm asking is simply as follows. For any owners of the Benelli Nova, have you had any problems? If you could go back, would you pick up, say, a good used 870 or 1300, or another "classic" scattergun for the same price? Are any problems you encountered major fixes, non-fixables, or 5-minute-screw-tightening jobs?

 

[chris in va]

I've had one for a few months, 20ga.

It's ok. The ergonomics are fantastic and it felt the best out of all I handled. Field stripping is a no brainer.

But I find the action to be very stiff. Hardly any parts are available for it. The sight ramp is sloped, putting the POI around 25 yards or so. Trigger is heavy.

What you see, is what you get...so forget adding anything on unless you order online (chokes, extensions). The stock isn't removable, so be sure it fits the first time.

If the action was as light as a Mossberg and they leveled the ramp, I'd be happy with it.

 

[abdrdude]

I have had absolutely NO problems with mine. Its the Nova Special Purpose(Tactical) with the 18 1/2 barrel. Great shotgun. Scott

 

[Gordon]

While I will tell all after this weekend shotgun class: my "special purpose" is VERY accurate with slugs- the best smooth bore shottie I've ever had for this yet. The trigger pull is way too heavy- there MUST be a way to reduce it! There has to be if I am gonna keep gun, very safe for law enforcement use however!
It needs a dome heas safety, it IS too small, I am sure some body makes one. Hard to put a side swivel mounted sling on, I slipped on a single point Tactical Tailor one which, after being tied down , works OK. I like the M-3 style Factory light mount I put on the factory 2 round extension, I am not paying $325 fore a Surefire forend, and I cn switch the light off a pistol I have!
In short- we will see, but it AIN't an 870 !

 

[freedomlover]

Joined the "dark side" last year and bought a used Nova at my favorite gun emporium, couldn't refuse for $200 out the door. Mainly bought it out of curiosity, to see how it compared to an 870. No problems to report, trigger pull is a little heavy but not enough to be an issue--my worst complaint is the rattling forearm.

It's a neat design and I like it enough to keep it, but like the previous poster said, it ain't no 870!

 

[Soap]

My Nova Special Purpose is awesome. I have the mag extension on it and functioning has been flawless.

Gordon- I've also had similar experiences with slugs. For a smoothbore, slug accuracy is outstanding.

 

[rong]

Benelli Nova Pump 12 GA shotgun mag extension tube

I am the new owner of a Benelli Nova 12 GA pump shotgun with an 18 1/2 inch barrel and ghost ring sights. Where can I purchase a Benelli Nova pump 12 GA with magazine extension? How much? Can I get a three shot or am I limited to two shot extension because of the lenght of the barrel? Thank you, Ron G

 

[Gordon]

Feedback on Nova: the position of safety sucks, should be in back of trigger for safe manipulation, don't like the ejection port covered with action open-limits your options and creates problems . The trigger pull-COME ON - no need for a creepy 14pound trigger! This negates the outstanding slug accuracy! Unless there is an easy way to lop a couple inches off of the butt stock , cleanly, I can't use it in tactical use. Right after I solved the Single point sling problem I found Butt stock is 2" too long for me, and 1" too long for a 6'6" person!
Should make a good HUNTING gun though!