Hello to all.
I got my Benelli 12 gauge Special Purpose Nova on Sunday. It is all that I had expected in a home defense weapon.
This is the first shotgun I have ever held, fired or owned. So I was eager to go to the range and become acquainted with it. Before firing the gun, I removed the plug allowing for additional ammo to be loaded in the magazine, installed a four round side saddle that I had ordered from Midway and then attached a combat sling.
In anticipation of getting the Nova, I had I bought a number of different kinds of shotgun ammo. I based my purchases on what I had read in this and other shotgun forums.
The ammo I bought was Estate, Federal, Winchester and Wolf shells. I bought different loads (#4, #6, #7.5 #8, #9) in 2-3/4†lengths) and also a box of slugs and a box of 00 buckshot 3†length shells.
I have no idea what constitutes good vs. bad shotgun pattern hits on target. All of my previous shooting experience has been with handguns and sniper rifles. With those firearms, I judged my accuracy on grouping of hits.
All I can say regarding my accuracy with the Nova is that all of the shot I fired punched multiple holes on my paper targets placed at 15, 25 and 50 yards. Frankly, I do not know whether I was accurate or whether hitting targets with a shotgun at those distances is a normal and automatic result.
The Nova has good balance and was easy to load, pump and fire. Its recoil did surprise me. Recoil was not difficult to handle when I used two rounds of each of the various brands and types of 2-3/4" shells. However, when I fired the 3" 00, I knew that I was not shooting my Remington 700 .223. The 3†00 buckshot shell has one big kick.
Shooting two rounds of the 00 was enough to convince me that this shell is not the one to use for a lengthy practice session. I am not even sure if I will stock it for home defense but use a lesser shell as many in the forum have advocated.
After I shot my initial rounds getting the feel of the different types, I then concentrated on shooting only the Estate 2-3/4†7.5 shells. I guess that I am a wimp because my shoulder hurt when my range session shooting forty-eight more of this ammo ended.
My first time out with a shotgun was quite interesting and different than anything I had previously experienced. I was impressed with the speed with which the pump operates when I rapid fired three rounds.
As mentioned, I like the balance of the Nova. I also like its trigger pull. The Nova appear to be a winner.
Regards to all
I got my Benelli 12 gauge Special Purpose Nova on Sunday. It is all that I had expected in a home defense weapon.
This is the first shotgun I have ever held, fired or owned. So I was eager to go to the range and become acquainted with it. Before firing the gun, I removed the plug allowing for additional ammo to be loaded in the magazine, installed a four round side saddle that I had ordered from Midway and then attached a combat sling.
In anticipation of getting the Nova, I had I bought a number of different kinds of shotgun ammo. I based my purchases on what I had read in this and other shotgun forums.
The ammo I bought was Estate, Federal, Winchester and Wolf shells. I bought different loads (#4, #6, #7.5 #8, #9) in 2-3/4†lengths) and also a box of slugs and a box of 00 buckshot 3†length shells.
I have no idea what constitutes good vs. bad shotgun pattern hits on target. All of my previous shooting experience has been with handguns and sniper rifles. With those firearms, I judged my accuracy on grouping of hits.
All I can say regarding my accuracy with the Nova is that all of the shot I fired punched multiple holes on my paper targets placed at 15, 25 and 50 yards. Frankly, I do not know whether I was accurate or whether hitting targets with a shotgun at those distances is a normal and automatic result.
The Nova has good balance and was easy to load, pump and fire. Its recoil did surprise me. Recoil was not difficult to handle when I used two rounds of each of the various brands and types of 2-3/4" shells. However, when I fired the 3" 00, I knew that I was not shooting my Remington 700 .223. The 3†00 buckshot shell has one big kick.
Shooting two rounds of the 00 was enough to convince me that this shell is not the one to use for a lengthy practice session. I am not even sure if I will stock it for home defense but use a lesser shell as many in the forum have advocated.
After I shot my initial rounds getting the feel of the different types, I then concentrated on shooting only the Estate 2-3/4†7.5 shells. I guess that I am a wimp because my shoulder hurt when my range session shooting forty-eight more of this ammo ended.
My first time out with a shotgun was quite interesting and different than anything I had previously experienced. I was impressed with the speed with which the pump operates when I rapid fired three rounds.
As mentioned, I like the balance of the Nova. I also like its trigger pull. The Nova appear to be a winner.
Regards to all
