Shot Benelli Nova with 3 1/2 magnums for the first time.

[slabuda]

Ok let me say this...I am 5'2' AND 125 LBS AND I never really thought I was bothered by recoil before.


I have shot my 20 g mossy 500 with 3" 1 oz steelies and didnt think the recoil was bad at all even when I miss shouldered it. Shooting my AK and various other rifles up to a 30.06 and a couple of rounds from a remmy 7mm mag and it was all good.

Used the old benelli nova. GOOD LORD ALMIGHTY WHAT A KICK!!!!!
Literally and figuratively...LOL. Now it could have been magnfied because I got short arms and dont shoulder it with a long LOP well. But DANG that was exciting! Dont think I would like to do it shooting at clays though . And if I goose hunt I recon I wont notice it at the time do to the excitement of hunting but may be sore the next day.


So for those that shoot this gun or a similar recoiling 3 1/2 pump how does it compare to a 300 wsm/300 win mag? I am considering getting one after my deployment for deer hunting?

edited to add:
If my little a** can shoot it with out getting knocked on my can then all of you big fellas better not complain about the recoil of anything ever again!!!

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I'm not sure which one will hurt your shoulder more, since rifle shooting is not the same as shotgun shooting, but the supermagnum shotshells will probably have more total recoil. Also, how reliable is your shotgun? I'm considering a supernova.

 

[slabuda]

not mine, just shot a few through a work mates. Dont think he really uses it though as he like a auto loader he has.

But its a pump takes alot to make them fail.

 

[Gunfighter123]

OUCH !!!!! OK , now it is time for you to try a 3 1/2 mag slug !!!!

I don't like shooting rifles over .300 Win Mag , handguns in .44/45 Mag, or 12ga 2 3/4" slugs ---- not saying I won't --- but I don't enjoy T-Rex Killers recoil.

 

[inSight-NEO]

I have shot my 20 g mossy 500 with 3" 1 oz steelies and didnt think the recoil was bad at all even when I miss shouldered it. Shooting my AK and various other rifles up to a 30.06 and a couple of rounds from a remmy 7mm mag and it was all good.

Used the old benelli nova. GOOD LORD ALMIGHTY WHAT A KICK!!!!!

Going from a 20g, various rifles, etc., I have no doubt that 3 1/2 mags gave you a jolt (exciting, yes?). They should, regardless of which shotgun they came out of. Keep in mind, the Benelli is a fairly lightweight shotgun, so this is to be expected.

BTW- I have a Benelli SuperNova Tactical and frankly, I dont think anything out there compares for the price (from what Ive seen, heard or experienced). Actually, since shooting my first one, Im now searching for #2 (SNT in desert camo). Have fun.....

 

[GregGry]

BTW- I have a Benelli SuperNova Tactical and frankly, I dont think anything out there compares for the price (from what Ive seen, heard or experienced). Actually, since shooting my first, Im now searching for #2 (SNT in desert camo). Have fun.....

I completely agree. I bought mine for 320 out the door, I have no idea what they are now. The only thing that sucks is the cost of different barrels.

As far as the recoil, the 3.5 inch with buckshot (or most 3 inch loads) are stout. Its not the recoil thats the issue, as much as the fact that the shoulder pad puts all the energy into a small hard recoil pad. With a better pad on it, the difference was substantial to me. Then again I am 290 pounds with a lot of muscle

 

[JWF III]

Were you shooting steel or lead?

If you were shooting steel, you have another surprise waiting on you. Give a 3.5" 2 1/4 oz. turkey load a try.

I turkey hunt with a Mossy 835, recoil on it will make a 10 ga. steel load feel like a child's cap gun.

Wyman

 

[627PCFan]

I can shoot the 3.5 inch waterfowl loads all day. Ill do 3 turkey loads and Im taking a week off-

 

[Girodin]

Give a 3.5" 2 1/4 oz. turkey load a try.

I remember vividly the first time I touched one of those off out of a super nova. I remember thinking, "damn, that hurt."

 

[Dave McCracken]

Some lessons are easier to remember than others.

A couple things....

First, just because it takes 3.5 howitzer rounds doesn't mean you have to shoot them all the time. Nice little 2 3/4", 7/8 oz target loads are great for fun and familiarization, which can happen simultaneously.

Second, adding a premium pad will help. Trust me.

Third, good fit can work wonders. Getting the LOP and drop right will aid you greatly. See a good stockfitter.

Fourth, most Saturdays I see 80 lbs of determination calling for targets like Ol' Nick calling for lost souls and demolishing them with a little Stoeger O/U 20.

You'd like her. She just celebrated her 12th birthday and is eager to run them before her bigger brother does.

Size can help in dealing with kick but heart is mandatory.....

 

[PJR]

The Benelli Nova with 3-1/2" turkey loads has my award as the hardest kicking shotgun ever. Didn't fit me, small recoil pad, knocked the snot out of me. It's no wonder Benelli sells an recoil reducer for it.

 

[slabuda]

Bet them turkey loads would be fun to put his gun when he wasnt looking for the last shot......the things guys do to each other for kicks..

 

[Turk]

Three years ago I decided I needed a new duck gun after using my Browning A-5, 2/34" for the last 30 years so I purchased a Super Black Eagle. This sucker really puts a hurt on you When shooting the 3.5" shells the 3's are more manageable but due to the light weight of the gun it is not my favorite to shoot. This gun is not a keeper. I'm looking for a used Browning A-5 3" Mag and when I do the SBE goes. A-5 is also recoil operated but I've shot 3" A-5 and it sure feels better when you pull the trigger. The Benelli is really a nice made gun but for me I think they're overrated.


Turk

 

[jbkebert]

So for those that shoot this gun or a similar recoiling 3 1/2 pump how does it compare to a 300 wsm/300 win mag? I am considering getting one after my deployment for deer hunting?

.


I shot a friends nova with a 3 1/2" turkey load my lord that thing kicks like a mule. My brother owns the super black eagle and same thing. I'll keep my 870 wingmasters 3" is plenty for a turkey. anyway based on shooting these and owning a .300 win mag. Hands down the super nova kicks harder. Although a .300 is a lot of gun for deer. Don't get me wrong I love mine and won't sell but I am awful fond of a .270 for deer.

 

[inSight-NEO]

The Benelli is really a nice made gun but for me I think they're overrated.

Nah..they are just lightweight. Their main selling point is durability and quality. Personally, I believe the Benelli meets or exceeds these expectations.

BTW- I think the Comfortech stock (not sure if available for the Nova) helps when firing such powerful loads. Besides, we are talking about 3 1/2" Magnum loads here. I mean..c'mon.

Of course, I have never had much need for magnum loads, so....

 

[Big Bill]

I have a Benelli Nova 3 1/2 and a Savage .300 WSM and neither one of them kicks much to speak of.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

2 1/4 oz. turkey load

I believe that's over 800 grains. Are turkeys really that hard to kill?

 

[coosbaycreep]

I used to have a winchester model 70 .300WM, and it had considerably less recoil than even a most 3" slugs. I only had 150gr bullets for it, although I was told they were loaded pretty hot, but I doubt if any load for the .300WM will kick even close to as bad as a 3.5" 12ga.

I have a 3.5" 870, and with buckshot, it's by far the hardest kicking thing I've shot. Everyone I've let shoot it only shot it once and said never again.

 

[levrluvr]

Are turkeys really that hard to kill?

Not really. If you know your gun, have taken the time to pattern it with different loads at different distances to find out works best at POA, and are patient in the hunt, they go down pretty easily.
I haven't jumped on the commercial bandwagon of huge loads, camo weapons with special sights, etc. I've always done OK with 2 3/4". The big problem with hunting turkeys is their acute eyesight. Don't let them see you!

 

[GooMan]

Kind of off topic but sometimes I just shake my head when I hear people bragging about their 70 yard turkey kills with a Jelly Head choke and 3 1/2" magnum loads.

I think about all the turkeys I have seen my dad kill with his old A5 Browning in 2 3/4". To me, the best part of turkey hunting is trying to "get 'em in close" not seeing how far away you can take one. I have seen many of them get a chance to walk because they just wouldn't come in but that is part of it.