Benelli Super Nova

[DArBad]

Shotgun afficionados,

I am getting interested in another pump shotgun as a back up to my Remington 870 Express.

The Benelli Super Nova caught my attention. Doesn't seem to be as popular as the offerings from Remington, Mossberg, or Winchester. There aren't too many feedback on the model and brand either. I went back to the Classified, and there were several on sale in the past, seems to me owners were unloading this on a big scale.

Would you kindly give me the pros and cons of the brand. It will be for home defense and occasional range trip.

Thanks.

[Ducky's Dad]

Too big, too long, too cumbersome for effective HD. Clumsy and poorly balanced for most range use, unless one just wants to make noise. Not a good choice for stated purposes. Great gun for snow geese. Very well built and reliable, easy to clean, not much can go wrong. Kind of like the AK47 of shotguns (but with better build quality), will work reliably with any load you want to feed it, doesn't need frequent cleaning, runs forever, butt ugly. Yes, I own a Nova.

[W.B.]

I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for your input.

[PoorRichRichard]

Too big, too long, too cumbersome for effective HD. Clumsy and poorly balanced for most range use, unless one just wants to make noise. Not a good choice for stated purposes. Great gun for snow geese. Very well built and reliable, easy to clean, not much can go wrong. Kind of like the AK47 of shotguns (but with better build quality), will work reliably with any load you want to feed it, doesn't need frequent cleaning, runs forever, butt ugly. Yes, I own a Nova.

Agreed. I own the 28" double bead Super Nova. Great duck/goose gun. Use it as my backup gun to my Frachi Intesity auto loader for bird hunting. The Super Nova does a great job of cutting recoil due its heavy overall weight and the recoil dampers in the stock. Exillent beginner water fowl gun. I've hunted with two guys who never moved to another gun.

Word of caution if you own the Nova (not the Super Nova)- it can take thre-and-a-half inch shells, but the are BRUTAL on your shoulder!!!

[Thanatos2203]

I was all set to buy a Nova until I went and held one, and I would suggest you do the same. Feature wise they are pretty impressive, and I like that you can use the button on the forend to empty the chamber without loading another round from the magazine tube. That all being said, I couldn't get over the plastic feel. While I was not fond of the quality of the 870 I bought instead, it is streamlined and functional in a way that the Benelli just isn't. Your 870 also has a lot of aftermarket options which are much more limited with the Nova. Assuming its in good working order (no rough chamber etc), your 870 shouldn't really need a back up. If you are interested in getting into another shotgun, semi autos are really fun.

[DArBad]

Thanks gang.

Yup, the feature to empty the chamber without unloading ammo from the magazine tube, the cache of the " Benelli " name, the ease of taking the piece apart comparatively speaking, and the cryogenically treated barrel, were some of the things that attracted me.

I've never held one in my hand, and the " guppy " look of the forened is a turnoff. I like the more streamlined lines of the Remington more.

[DArBad]

......... Assuming its in good working order (no rough chamber etc), your 870 shouldn't really need a back up. If you are interested in getting into another shotgun, semi autos are really fun.

You seem to have read my mind..... I wanted another shotgun!

[PoorRichRichard]

You seem to have read my mind..... I wanted another shotgun!

PM inbound

[NapalmCheese]

It's a 3.5 inch gun, so it's a bit on the long side with a long stroke.

It's heavy.

It's pretty thick at the wrist with a tighter pistol grip than something like the standard 870 stock.

It's VERY easy to disassemble, easy enough to do in a duck blind and doesn't require any extra tools (use the mag cap to push the pins out).

It's very reliable.

The plastic finish is basically indestructible for all practical purposes.

The finish on the barrel is (at least IME hunting over salt water) as prone to rust as any 870 express (I spray painted mine).

The shell cutoff is a nice feature if you carry different types of ammo for geese and ducks (I shoot 3's for ducks, prefer something larger for geese).

I like the position of the safety, on the side like an 870 but in front of the trigger guard instead of behind, makes it easy to keep your finger along the receiver and in one motion swipe off the safety and slap the trigger.

Barrels are expensive.

It's a bit rattly.

It handles pretty club like, but points well enough for me.

Ease of disassembly makes it pretty awesome in my opinion.

[DArBad]

Thank you all for your feedback.

[BigPimping]

I have the Stoeger P350. The Turkish clone that is a Benelli subsidiary. Came with 4 chokes and I have put hundreds of rounds through it. No issues.

[BOBGBA]

Before Remington came out with an 870 that would shoot 3.5" shells (I already had a Wingmaster Magnum) I bought a Benelli Nova.
It was a little long, but I was able to shoot it and it killed it's fair share of ducks.
The only reason that I sold it (when Remington came out with a 3.5" capable 870), was because I had been shooting 870s for 10+ years.
Every so often, I think about getting a Super Nova, but feel that I have enough toys.

If I was buying my first shotgun, I would see what feels best. I wouldn't hesitate in buying a Super Nova.