Benelli Nova vs Winchester 1300

[Slater]

I generally dislike comparisons because any decent name-brand shotgun is probably going to give good service. A friend of mine asked my opinion on a couple different shotguns that he's trying to decide between: the Winchester 1300 Defender and the Benelli Nova tactical .

Both are alloy-receivered pump shotguns with rotary locking bolts and low-glare finishes. I honestly couldn't give him any reason to select one over the other as I think both are good shotguns. He says that one primary consideration is long-term durability and reliability, so would the Nova maybe have a slight edge in that respect? I don't know. I know that the finish on the Winchester's receiver is easily scuffed/scratched but the Nova is supposed to have some type of polymer-over-alloy construction that might be tougher (as far as aesthetics are concerned).

 

[sm]

I do not bash shotguns, or anything else.

All I can share are my experiences , and to call 'em as I see 'em.

1300s are "modular" meaning if anything ever needs to be fixed in the field, meaning you bust a buttstock, a forearm, - slap on another and good to go.

Lee Lapin did a excellent post on 870s and how being modular, one can build a shotgun from a "parts box/ bin". How if in a serious situation [proven in combat] just slap another trigger group in, new forearm on...good to go]. 1300 mirrors this.

I have busted 7 Novas and each had to go back to factory. NOT able to get parts locally, NONE out of a parts bin,...etc.

If the Nova fits one - great. If it don't , not so great, you cannot tweak the fit.
One cannot get a Youth Stock and then later put on a full length for when a kid gets bigger.

A bigger person can shoot a gun too small - a smaller person CANNOT shoot a gun too big.

If there is a lady in the house, any teenagers - in an serious matter these Nova do not fit. The fit cannot be tweaked.

Nova is an nteresting concept, triggers are aweful. Still they serve a niche. Think "Glock Shotgun".
Difference to me is - the Gock is still more "modular" if you will.

Truth is, as Miss Tamara would say, all guns suck. To me the difference is how can I "un-suck" a gun back to running the fastest in a serious situaton.

Only thing is a 1300 offers the abilty to tweak the forearm. Buttstock allows one to adjust LOP, Cast on/ cast off , pitch, change recoil pads ...

You have a "Murphy Moment" , punch pins, fresh Trigger group,bolt assembly...when time allows get the goop mud , sand out of the ones messed up.

1911s of shotguns are 870s, 1300s, some Mossbergs, Ithaca 37s, 1100s,
SX1s...etc.

Note : I have done a LOT of pattern board testing. Factory Win-chokes have surprised me with some THE BEST patterns from a Factory screw in choke.
Add, the Win-Choke rifled choke, some of THE BEST slug groups, beating out fully rifled barrels. Smoothbores are more versatile, add that rifled choke, even better, the Win-Choke rifled choke is a great choice!!


Rem has been known to have some non-concentric, bad performance internal screw in chokes.

Win-Chokes are External Knurled. I prefer external knurled, protects the muzzle from dings, and if one should "ding" a shotgun really bad...replace the inexpensive Win-Choke, instead of paying a qualified gunsmith to fix muzzle, threads...

My 1974 Win SX1 has over 200K thru it. No screw in chokes back then...Nu-Line did the work and installed their external knurled chokes in a bbl for that gun...gun still running, chokes still tossing great as the day I got them.

FWIW Fred Misseldine shot 1300 in all 4 gauges. He won, he won a LOT!

1300 needs to be avail in 28 ga again for sure!! 1300 needs to be in all 4 gauges again.

Steve

 

[Dave McCracken]

1300, for the reasons given. If this isn't an either/or issue, the 870, 500/590, 37, etc, should also be considered.

Good defensive shotguns are not scarce. Consider the options, handle and fire if possible, then choose.

Then BA/UU/R. Expertise is the most crucial element.

 

[DBR]

sm:

What specifically broke on the Novas?