Benelli Nova
- Thread starter Slater
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cslinger
Member
We have a Nova Special Purpose 18.5 inch with Ghost Rings and I find it to be a very good shotty. The forearm rattles a bit but it really doesn't bother me.
My one and only complaint is that the stock is a tad bit too long for me and because it is a once piece affair it really cannot be changed with out cutting/grinding. It isn't that uncomfortable to me thought.
The action is pretty stiff when new but lightens up nicely, it takes 3.5 inch magnums and those really are not that bad to shoot. Ours has not missed a beat yet and we have around 500-800 rounds through it. Heck ours even fed those Aguilla Mini Shells if it matters.
All in all I would have to give the NOVA two thumbs up. It is a very good shotgun and falls solidy in my second place spot for a pump shotty.........the first going to.......drum roll please..........
The unbiquitous 870. It just fits me so well. I am not saying this to be another 870 pimp as I know you will find plenty of those. Like I said my only complaint with the Nova over was the stiff action when new and just a tad too long stock.
It is a great gun and a very good value in my opinion.
My one and only complaint is that the stock is a tad bit too long for me and because it is a once piece affair it really cannot be changed with out cutting/grinding. It isn't that uncomfortable to me thought.
The action is pretty stiff when new but lightens up nicely, it takes 3.5 inch magnums and those really are not that bad to shoot. Ours has not missed a beat yet and we have around 500-800 rounds through it. Heck ours even fed those Aguilla Mini Shells if it matters.
All in all I would have to give the NOVA two thumbs up. It is a very good shotgun and falls solidy in my second place spot for a pump shotty.........the first going to.......drum roll please..........
The unbiquitous 870. It just fits me so well. I am not saying this to be another 870 pimp as I know you will find plenty of those. Like I said my only complaint with the Nova over was the stiff action when new and just a tad too long stock.
It is a great gun and a very good value in my opinion.
Ringer
Member
Question about the Nova
A friend of mine just bought a used Benelli Nova. When topping off the mag tube, or adding one shell to the tube while one is chambered the carrier doesn't drop back down. It leaves the end of the tube open and the first shell exposed unless you release and partially move the action of the forearm. I'm still somewhat of a shotgun newbie but this does not seem normal to me. Is it? Unfortunately their manuals are not currently available online.
A friend of mine just bought a used Benelli Nova. When topping off the mag tube, or adding one shell to the tube while one is chambered the carrier doesn't drop back down. It leaves the end of the tube open and the first shell exposed unless you release and partially move the action of the forearm. I'm still somewhat of a shotgun newbie but this does not seem normal to me. Is it? Unfortunately their manuals are not currently available online.
cslinger
Member
It's normal. No problems caused.
Ringer
Member
So, you just leave the carrier up then? Or move the forend to drop it, or either is OK?
Thanks
Thanks
cslinger
Member
Just leave it up. It will come down when you cycle the next round. You can drop it by bring the forearm back ever so slightly if it makes you feel better.
I really just keep ours up and it has never caused a problem.
I really just keep ours up and it has never caused a problem.
Ringer
Member
Thanks, glad to know nothing is wrong with it.
Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention, it shoots nicely!
Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention, it shoots nicely!
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
I have a Nova Special Purpose with ghost ring sights. This is my second Nova, and I prefer it over the other pumps I've owned or used so far (Mossberg and Remington).
The good:
It's light, tough, and easy to field-strip. It chambers 3 1/2" loads, and the magazine cutoff button in the pump handle is nifty. The receiver is polymer-coated, so there are absolutely no corrosion issues. The buttstock takes an optional mercury recoil reducer. The pump handle is large and easy to operate. The world record for hand-thrown clays with a pump was shot with a Nova. Also, those Italians sure know how to make 'em pretty.
The so-so:
The pump handle has a tendency to rattle a bit. The recoil with 3" Magnum or 3 1/2" loads is pretty savage due to the light weight. The oversized pump handle means that you can only mount a mini 4-round side saddle. The magazine capacity is low, only four shells in both 2 3/4" and 3" formats, and the mag extensions are scarce and expensive.
All in all, it's a great shotgun if you can live with the mentioned limitations. The Benelli Nova is stylish and capable. Althoug a Remmy 870 or Mossy 500 has much more available in the way of accessories and doodads, if that's your cup of tea.
The good:
It's light, tough, and easy to field-strip. It chambers 3 1/2" loads, and the magazine cutoff button in the pump handle is nifty. The receiver is polymer-coated, so there are absolutely no corrosion issues. The buttstock takes an optional mercury recoil reducer. The pump handle is large and easy to operate. The world record for hand-thrown clays with a pump was shot with a Nova. Also, those Italians sure know how to make 'em pretty.
The so-so:
The pump handle has a tendency to rattle a bit. The recoil with 3" Magnum or 3 1/2" loads is pretty savage due to the light weight. The oversized pump handle means that you can only mount a mini 4-round side saddle. The magazine capacity is low, only four shells in both 2 3/4" and 3" formats, and the mag extensions are scarce and expensive.
All in all, it's a great shotgun if you can live with the mentioned limitations. The Benelli Nova is stylish and capable. Althoug a Remmy 870 or Mossy 500 has much more available in the way of accessories and doodads, if that's your cup of tea.
Bought mine just before dove season last year, lost track of how many boxes of shells went through it. Pheasant season was a bust, only went out twice so it didn't get much of a workout there.
I shoot the Nova better than I did my 870 Remington. If it will last as long as an 870 is yet to be seen.
My only complaints are the rattle in the foreend and the stock can't be replaced.
I shoot the Nova better than I did my 870 Remington. If it will last as long as an 870 is yet to be seen.
My only complaints are the rattle in the foreend and the stock can't be replaced.
campergeek
Member
Wow, I must be a truly lucky man! I stopped in Galyans last week and purchased and walked out of the store with my black Benelli Nova for $279 ($251 since I signed up for their card). They had none in stock so I took home the display gun. At the time I didn't know how lucky I was. Perhaps I should begin taking bids. 
What was the cost of a Nova a few months ago? When I first looked at one a few weeks ago the salesman made it sound like they recently cut their price. If this is the case then it looks like they too much to balance supply and demand.
BTW, does anyone know if the recoil reduction device makes a big difference? I'm trying to decide if the few 3.5" shells I might shoot each year would be worth the extra expense.
What was the cost of a Nova a few months ago? When I first looked at one a few weeks ago the salesman made it sound like they recently cut their price. If this is the case then it looks like they too much to balance supply and demand.
BTW, does anyone know if the recoil reduction device makes a big difference? I'm trying to decide if the few 3.5" shells I might shoot each year would be worth the extra expense.
gun-fucious
Member
when they first came out they were $309
Nova
That forend rattle can be eliminated with some velcro. Search TFL arhives for the discussion on how to do this.
I added their mercury recoil reducer to mine, it's a good addition. The recoil on magnum loads was pretty severe before I put it in, it's much better now.
That forend rattle can be eliminated with some velcro. Search TFL arhives for the discussion on how to do this.
I added their mercury recoil reducer to mine, it's a good addition. The recoil on magnum loads was pretty severe before I put it in, it's much better now.
Popcorn Coolie
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2006
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- 7
Old but I have to reply.
I have an 18.5 tactical and my complaint is that it rattles alot and in a tactical situation one rattle is one rattle too many. I took it apart and tightened the allen screws that mount the action bars to the foregrip. It rattles alot less now, but still rattles enough to be unacceptable.
I only bought it because a buddy gave it to me for $75. It's a very nice shotgun but the fact that the pump rattles makes it a bad choice when stealth determines life and death . I can't believe Benelli hasn't addressed this by now. I know they must be losing sales because of it.
The rattling is the type of thing that gets a guy killed. I noticed in the shoot house when I dropped it and pulled on my 3 point to hang it on my back I could hear RATTLE RATTLE. Skulking around was pointless because as I crept around I could not be heard, but I and everyone else could hear RATTLE.. RATTLE RATTLE. If it rubs against something it rattles no matter how tight the action bars are.
I think the gun is great but all of that noise and sloppy play isn't worth the magazine cutt off feature. That's why I recomend and prefer the 870 and 500.
The only conditions I would ever recomend the Nova is if the gun is for sporting and the operator doesn't care how much noise it makes, but, if you want a gun for stalking game, a tactical shotgun or a PDW for your home I couldn't recomend the the nova. I would suggest steering away from it.
It's an excellent gun, but with a serious flaw. If Benelli would fix the few major problems it has the nova would be a superior shotgun.
I have an 18.5 tactical and my complaint is that it rattles alot and in a tactical situation one rattle is one rattle too many. I took it apart and tightened the allen screws that mount the action bars to the foregrip. It rattles alot less now, but still rattles enough to be unacceptable.
I only bought it because a buddy gave it to me for $75. It's a very nice shotgun but the fact that the pump rattles makes it a bad choice when stealth determines life and death . I can't believe Benelli hasn't addressed this by now. I know they must be losing sales because of it.
The rattling is the type of thing that gets a guy killed. I noticed in the shoot house when I dropped it and pulled on my 3 point to hang it on my back I could hear RATTLE RATTLE. Skulking around was pointless because as I crept around I could not be heard, but I and everyone else could hear RATTLE.. RATTLE RATTLE. If it rubs against something it rattles no matter how tight the action bars are.
I think the gun is great but all of that noise and sloppy play isn't worth the magazine cutt off feature. That's why I recomend and prefer the 870 and 500.
The only conditions I would ever recomend the Nova is if the gun is for sporting and the operator doesn't care how much noise it makes, but, if you want a gun for stalking game, a tactical shotgun or a PDW for your home I couldn't recomend the the nova. I would suggest steering away from it.
It's an excellent gun, but with a serious flaw. If Benelli would fix the few major problems it has the nova would be a superior shotgun.
Gordon
Member
The one BIG problem , which nobody mentioned yet, is the horrible trigger! This is NOT good for accuracy for any gun, shotties included! Mine had a 14 pound (Sigma style
) trigger before finding a MUCH lighter trigger return spring which brought it to 7 pounds-still too heavy. I honed the sear and polished the sides of trigger ect. and got it down to a reasonable crisp 5.5 pounds, but this is real gunsmith work!
The length reduction can be done with the help of the specialty Limbsaver pad for Bennellis that Brownells lists, although I used a milling machine and fabricated an aluminum pillar to add support. This was necessary for me to consider it at all as a tactical shotgun.
I welded on a dome shaped piece of metal to the safety to make my own Vang saftey .
The little freeplay(rattle) of the foreend isn't an issue for me. The real long stroke to feed those useless on a tactical shottie 3.5" shells is a draw back,compared to the slick 870 action.
I keep this one next to the bed; it is my "Glock" of the shotgun world The tritium sights and the Insight Light/Lazer work well on varmints at night!
) trigger before finding a MUCH lighter trigger return spring which brought it to 7 pounds-still too heavy. I honed the sear and polished the sides of trigger ect. and got it down to a reasonable crisp 5.5 pounds, but this is real gunsmith work! The length reduction can be done with the help of the specialty Limbsaver pad for Bennellis that Brownells lists, although I used a milling machine and fabricated an aluminum pillar to add support. This was necessary for me to consider it at all as a tactical shotgun.
I welded on a dome shaped piece of metal to the safety to make my own Vang saftey
.The little freeplay(rattle) of the foreend isn't an issue for me. The real long stroke to feed those useless on a tactical shottie 3.5" shells is a draw back,compared to the slick 870 action.
I keep this one next to the bed; it is my "Glock" of the shotgun world
The tritium sights and the Insight Light/Lazer work well on varmints at night!Attachments
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