Benelli Nova?

[Richard K]

I have two tactical 870s and have carried an 870 on duty for years. I needed a field gun and went to a local dealer to pick up an 870 Express. I walked out with a Nova pump instead. I did a complete tear-down when I got it home and it seems rather cheesy/flimsy compared to an 870 and am having second thoughts. Of course, it's not returnable. For those of you that have owned one awhile, how well do they hold up. The Nova worked out to the same price as an Express when you buy the extra choke tubes for the Express. I'd appreciate any comments, positive or negative.

[Minuteman]

I did the same thing. Walked in to get a 870, walked out with a nova.

I like it so far. Haven't shot it much.
The cheesy parts are parts that really shouldn't matter. It's probably a good thing they are light.

I think it's like handling a glock for the first time. If your used to a 1911 (or an 870) then switching to the plastic version is just a simple adjustment to get over that "cheap plastic feel".

Shootin' is what counts. It shoots fine so far.

I hope to shoot some birds this year. Lots of damm birds around here.


:patriot:

[MrMurphy]

Went through about 400-500 rounds in mine before I swapped it out for a Marlin .44 levergun. Very nice shotgun, and with slugs and ghost ring I did head shots at 100m from the prone. I previously owned a pair of 870s and a 500, and I wouldn't mind a SuperNova.

[triggerjerk]

What parts are cheesy?:upeyes:

I've had mine for almost six years.
Shot THOUSANDS of rounds.

Accidentally dropped the bolt extractor down, on the concrete.
No damage.

Been dropped in the dirt and keeps on working.

The 870 isn't the end all of all pumps.

[amblackm]

I've had great experience with my Nova shotguns. I've got a tactical model with the ghost ring sights and a field model. Both shoot really, really well. I've put more rounds than I can count through mine, and I've never had a problem with either one.

Keep in mind the Nova is designed for 3.5" shells, so it will have no problem digesting lots and lots and lots of 2 3/4" and 3" shells.

Minuteman has it right. The first time you handle a Nova, it is very similar to the first time you pick up a Glock or HK. The plastic just feels wrong. However, after a few shooting trips, you may come to realize you like it more than the steel receiver you were used to.

It's funny, my experience is exactly opposite of yours. I had a Nova first, then bought an 870 because I had read so many good things about them online. After I bought the 870 I regretted it. I thought the controls and firing group felt 'cheesy' on the 870 Express. I didn't care for how it shot (cycling the action, disengaging the safety, unlocking the bolt, etc). I also didn't like the tear down procedure (how you have to remove the bolt through the front of the receiver), so I sold it and am going to buy a Super Nova.

I guess I'm just a Benelli Nova guy. I like the placement and operation of the controls on the Nova. The take down and cleaning procedure is simple. I also like the light weight and balance of the Nova. Lastly, I think they look cool.

My only complaint about the Nova is the stock recoil pad is hard as rocks. I replaced the recoil pad on both of my shotguns with a Sims Limbsaver slip on pad, and what a difference it makes!!! I'd definitely make that modification if I were you.

If I were you I'd keep it for a while and see if you don't come around. You might wind up moving to the dark side. If not, you should be able to see it for close to what you paid for it.

-Andrew

[Richard K]

Hey Guys, thanks for the replies! I'm feeling better about my impulse purchase now. In answer to "what feels cheesy": the action bars are lighter than and 870, the forearm rattle, the polymer trigger group parts and the mushy trigger pull (which I'll never notice in the field). I really like the way it shoulders and points and I'll be happy with it, I'm sure. I was just worried about longevity.