Benelli Nova VS. Mossberg 835

[Metapotent]

My friend is going to be purchasing a shotgun for the first time and he has come down to two choices. The Benelli Nova or the Mossberg 835 both in 12 gauge.

He wants an all-around shotgun for everything from casual skeet shooting to small and large birds, and possibly large mammals.

I don't know enough about shotguns and I have no experience with either of these particular shotguns so I decided to ask the good people of THR.

So which gun would be better suited to such a multi-role use?

Edit: Price is no object, and he has his mind set on either of the two so no alternative answers or criticism please.

 

[zero_chances]

i love my nova. i have only put about a 100 rounds through it so far, but it seem sto get the job done well. It is very light. And to my suprise, it did not kick much harder than my friends mossberg 500 in 20 guage. That was with 2 3/4 target loads. Only downside, there is not much of an aftermartet for benelli.

 

[ArmedBear]

Can I ask something?

People shoot both guns and have a good time.

But if price is no object, why THOSE two guns?

...especially for skeet?

 

[Eightball]

Nova's better built and more capable. Though, why not the "SuperNova" instead? Replacable stock--pistol grip, PG/collapsible, comfortech (a huge plus with those 3.5" loads), same capabilities as regular Nova.

Nova's got a cryogenically treated barrel, one of the best companies ever to back it up (albeit, kinda slow at times), is very capable, lightweight, has a better feed system, easier to use mag cutoff, more ergonmoic, handier for hunting due to synthetics, easier to clean/maintain for the same reason, and a much better value.

I actually sell both of these at my job. If you really want my "at work selling speech", PM me. But, as my "professional" seller's opinion, the Nova is a much, much better gun. It's hard to go wrong with a Benelli.

 

[zero_chances]

Oh, by the way, if money is no object, deffinitely spend the extra few bucks to get the SuperNova as previously mentioned. I wish i did. I have been trying to hunt down that comfortech buttpad for a while.

 

[kennyboy]

Get the Nova. It is difficult to compare one brand of pump to a different brand of autoloader. However, I own the Nova and am very pleased. It has performed flawlessly and is super easy to clean after a wet day. On my list, Mossbergs are one of the lowest, if not the lowest ranked shotguns. If price isn't an issue, then get Benelli's SBE II.

 

[Eightball]

On my list, Mossbergs are one of the lowest, if not the lowest ranked shotguns.

Ever seen one of the recent H&R "Pardner" series?

If price was not an issue for me, I'd get the Benelli M4, mag extension, and be set for the rest of my life (WOW, what a sweet semi). But, of the ones you mentioned, the Nova is the clear winner. But, please, get the SuperNova instead--more versatile, and that way he won't regret it later.

<begin parody>
"Oh, I spent $70-$100 more, but oh how I wish I had the version of the Nova with a non-replacable stock! I don't like a gun that I can make HD if I want it, long and comfy for skeet, or a PG/Full-Stock for Turkey or all-around use!"
<end parody>

See what I mean? It's a win-win thing.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

3 1/2" barrel outweighs anything on a mossberg

 

[chris in va]

I had a 20ga Nova for a while. Didn't like it, got it sold.

Main problems? The action is clunky, certainly not as smooth as a standard Rem or Mossy. Several times it didn't want to shuck a new shell in the action. Also good luck finding add-on parts for it locally. Want an extension tube? Mail order. Chokes? Mail order. Oh, and you can't change out the stock as it's all one piece. I also didn't care for the angled sight ramp.

I do much better at trap with my $30 Pardner 410 than I ever did with that Nova.

 

[ArmedBear]

Wait. I have to correct two glaring errors here.

1. The Mossberg 835 is a PUMP gun, not an autoloader.
2. BOTH the Nova and the 835 are 3.5" guns.

Neither gun would be my choice for skeet shooting, though either gun would work okay for trap. The Mossberg is a tad lighter.

3.5" chambers are useless unless you shoot passing geese. You won't use 3.5" shells; modern non-toxic shot has made them obsolete except for specific uses. Recoil is fierce, shells are expensive. I wouldn't buy a 3.5" gun unless I knew exactly why I was buying it (like, I pass-shoot geese).

A few other things to note:

The Nova is made out of plastic. I does have a nice barrel and rib. If I were going to spend the extra money on the SuperNova, I'd start looking at other guns. Even the regular Nova is a tad on the expensive side, for a plastic molding, and it's obese. 8 lb. is a good deal heavier than its competition. The Mossberg and the 870 Express Super Magnum (all-steel and laminate wood stock) weigh 7.5 lb.; the all-steel 870 SM with a synthetic stock weighs 7.25 lb.

Again, if money is no object, I'd keep looking. What is the budget? What is the intended use?

For skeet, something that can shoot 2 shots quickly -- double or semiauto -- is desirable. People shoot skeet with pumps, but generally smooth ones (870 Wingmaster, old Winchester Model 12, Ithaca 37 come to mind) not 3.5" clunkers. Novas and Mossbergs are not slick shuckers.

Again, I'd put the brakes on and reconsider before spending hard-earned cash.

 

[Metapotent]

Update:

I went with my friend to the store and he bought the Mossberg instead of the Benelli. It came in Mossy Oak Camo and its pretty sweet, but I handled it and shot it today and the balance just plain sucks, as opposed to the Nova that I held in the store that was heavier but balanced WAY better. He seems to like it though, for some odd reason, and it only matters how he likes it, but I have to announce my conclusions.

The Mossberg 835 he got has 28inch barrel I believe, and there is just way too much weight in the front of the gun, while the buttstock is made of flimsy plastic-like material that weights next to nothing. Also, some of the camoflauge is pealing away slightly, the pump handle jiggles all over the place, and the trigger was very clunky.

I think he seriously wasted 400 some-odd dollars (including tax) on an inferior shotgun.

Hell, my old Winchester 1400 MKII handles way better and its worth what? $150?

Edit: i just can't get over how horrible the Mossberg handled.

 

[Eightball]

The Mossberg 835 he got has 28inch barrel I believe, and there is just way too much weight in the front of the gun, while the buttstock is made of flimsy plastic-like material that weights next to nothing. Also, some of the camoflauge is pealing away slightly, the pump handle jiggles all over the place, and the trigger was very clunky.

Welcome to all of the 200+ Mossbergs I've sold in the course of my job.