Benelli Nova

I purchased My Nova 12 gauge to start trap shooting. First time on range at Boy scout camp hit 40 out of 50 with improved chamber choke and 2-3/4 #8 winchester shells. mind you this is easy range. First time on 16 yard trap range, same choke and same loads, hit 20 out of 50, but noticed gun is a little nose heavy and recoil was pretty heavy. Purchased recoil reducer kit (Worth every penny). Easy install. Next trip to range changed to modified choke, same shells, hit 35 out 0f 75 and felt like i was shooting 22 rifle. Also noticed the extra 14 ounces from recoil kit brought balance of gun to perfect for me. easier to swing and keep on target. next time out going full choke. All in all great gun for the price and proud to own a Benelli

I have a camo Nova with a rifled barrel for sabot slugs. Mounted a scope this year (not cantelver) and am using Hornady SST ammo. I chose the Hornady ammo due to its flat shooting characteristics. At 100 yards, the shots were all over the paper. I'm guessing 6 - 8 inch groups. So today, I'm going back to the range with some more ammo to find if something else that will hopefully give respectable accuracy. I hope the accuracy problem is not from the shotgun or this could be expensive. My smooth bore mossberg with rifled slugs was more accurate. Seriously. Follow up to my review: Spent over $100 on ammo to try to determine which was the most accurate. Nothing would get under 4 inches at 50 yards. I was able to take down a deer at 25 yards, but had no confidence over that distance. My other major complaint with that gun. When trying to be quite, the guns forearm rattles loudly against the barrel if moved. Listen to it at the store and you'll agree. Traded it in on a Brownin... Read more

I dont have the Nova I have always heard that the pumps Benelli makes are cheap. I do have an M1 and I absolutely love it. The only negative I have on it is that I wanted to buy a rifled barrel for it and I was told it could take a year to get it and the price was crazy for it. Like someone else posted I could buy a nice slug gun for the price of the barrel alone. That is BS. But the actual gun is perfect.

I got my Nova three years ago and I love it! The thing is a bird killing machine. Easy to clean and built tough. The only problem I've had with it was just after I bought it and I was not working the pump action hard enough. After I figured out what I was doing wrong, the thing hasn't let me down. I've had my gun out on days that would send most other guns crying for the gun safe and it just keeps on killing. As for the recoil, who feels it when you're dropping birds! I only shoot 3 1/2" mags and I love this gun!

Very happy with this gun. Found that the patterns are nice with Federal 00 buck and patterns well at 50yrds. The gun breaks down extremely easy and is very simplistic. It is also light weight for carry but one thing I did not care for is the recoil. I shoot the 3 1/2 mag. If you get this gun and plan on using 3-1/2mag, get the limb saver recoil pad or you can invest in the benelli recoil buffer system ($175+ for both parts (sold separately)). The gun is very consistant with loading and unloading and has a nice feature on the foregrip. You can unchamber one round and not load another with the press of the button on the underside. Best bang for your buck. If you are looking for upgrades then you may not want this gun, hence why I gave it 4 stars.

I've recently purchased a benellit Nova in the max-4 camo. I've carried the gun out twice now shooting clays in preparation for dove and duck hunting here in Texas and have had problems with the gun both times. the first time out after about 10 shots it stopped ejecting shells and was trying to load the next shell on top of it. I checked and made shure i was pumping the action all the way and was. I tore the gun apart and cleaned it and checked it out and found no problems. The next day i shot it again and now its ejecting the fired shell, occasionally, but its also not loading the next shell correctly causing the shell to crimp down on the end and becoming lodged just before entering the barrel. I tore it apart again and found that when the barrel was made it was not completly rounded out on the end where the shell seats into the barrel. This is a minor problem that i could have fixed i believe but sent it back to benelli so i wouldnt void the warranty. The thing that worries me is t... Read more

Bought a Remington 870 Super Mag two days ago, brougt it home to clean and found gouges in the barrel and chamber, the extractor claw had FIVE cracks in it (yes, the little 1/4" long peace), and it the only way to get shells out of the gun was to rack them through the chamber because a defect in the magazine area... I returned the Remington discusted with the gun and the company when I looked over a possible replacement and found as many problems with it! Purchased a Super Nova for no more than what it would have cost me to get the additional chokes for the Remington that the Super Nova came with, and the Benelli is awsome! Amazingly good build quality! Great gun! Shame we cant build something like that in this country anymore...

Bought a Remington 870 Super Mag two days ago, brougt it home to clean and found gouges in the barrel and chamber, the extractor claw had FIVE cracks in it (yes, the little 1/4" long peace), and it the only way to get shells out of the gun was to rack them through the chamber because a defect in the magazine area... I returned the Remington discusted with the gun and the company when I looked over a possible replacement and found as many problems with it! Purchased a Super Nova for no more than what it would have cost me to get the additional chokes for the Remington that the Super Nova came with, and the Benelli is awsome! Amazingly good build quality! Great gun! Shame we cant build something like this in this country anymore...

Light weight and durable but the rattling on the forearm sucks. Too much sound for me. Think about it, you spend 20 hours in the woods and that 1 chance happens. Then the deer or bird takes off because they hear the rattling. Nope, not for me!

I have 3 Benelli's currently "loved" them all but recently I have been trying to locate a slug barrel for the SBE or the Nova. As for the Nova, nada...nothing...can't find them anywhere and this gun has been out for 2 years now. The SBE, well what can I say...$400 for a slug barrel hell I can go buy a brand new Remington or Winchester for that much. So,,, I have proceeded to sell all 3 and go back to Winchester where I CAN!! get whatever I need for it. As for Benelli, they will no longer be in my safe. Great guns, built pretty much perfectly but if you can't get the accesories for it .. screw them.

Yesterday I shot the first 100 rounds through my brand new Nova. Awesome gun!! I wanted a shotgun that was inexpensive but durable and the Nova was the perfect fit. Recoil isn't bad, but I will probably opt for a LimbSaver Recoil Pad. I can't wait to get out on the pond this winter.

Had it about a year. Great engineering. If only Benelli would put a little better recoil pad on it. Does what I want it to do. Would give it 5-stars but took a little off for heavy recoil. I believe it will last forever. Oh yes, the forearm rattles some. They fixed this on the supervova. I think they should recall this gun to fix the rattling forearm. All around satisfied with it.

Bought this gun mostly for use on clays and have been very pleased so far. I didn't have much money to spend, so I did a lot of research on affordable guns that would be well made. I looked at the Nova and the Remington 870...the Nova felt better for me and shouldered better, so I got it. It is a little bulkier (wider) than the 870 and the Benelli autoloaders, but it seems really well designed and put-together. Super easy to take down and clean, and, from what everyone says, pretty much bomb-proof. I'm only shooting target loads, but I've had no problems with recoil. The best thing is that the price is very low in relation to the good quality of the gun--more so than lots of things on the market. If you're the type of person who researches stuff before you buy it, make sure you get feedback from people on sites like this, who actually own the gun. I never knew there were "gun snobs," but you'll find people who want to be convinced that their $1500 is worth what they paid for it... Read more

I bought a super nova a few months ago mostly for sporting clays, so far it has been very reliable very accurate gun. it is super light easy to clean and it is probably the fastest pump ive ever used, so if your looking for an affordable well built gun i would suggest the super nova to anyone.

Good gun, but lack of customization to fit shooters is always going to haunt it.  If it fits you straight out of the box, you will love it...if it doesn't, better look elsewhere.  Level of reliability & durability will be known if it's still around in 50 years so can't comment on that yet.

I bought my Nova for a fantastic price and found it to be an excellent all around pump. My initial idea was to use it strictly as a home defense weapon. After getting some time with it on the range I recently replaced the 870 I used to carry in my patrol car with my Nova. The only modifications I did were to add the two round magazine extension, put on a single point sling and to put on an after market heat shield. It has turned out to be a sweet firearm with excellent accuracy and pattern and as far as the recoil goes, if you pull it in it felt the same as my 870.

Reliable, Durable, Accurate and Affordable. Easy to Clean (takes about 5 minutes) Uses 2-3/4, 3, and 3-1/2 shells I wish they made cars like this Benelli Nova. Overall, an outstanding shotgun and great for a beginner.

I love mine. Trigger is clunky, the gun is still heavy (8lbs) and my shoulder gets wore out when I've had to shoot 3 or more 3 1/2 turkey loads. Other than that, the gun is a sweet machine. You can't tear it up. It dissasembles easily and there are a number of additional aftermarket parts that make the gun easily customized. For the price, you can't get a better shotgun. I've owned several 870s and a 500 and you couldn't trade me 2 of either one for my nova. Ask a buddy to let you shoot his and you won't want to give it back.

Well i bought the Benelli Nova when i was 12 years old and have been using it for the past three years. I absolutely love it. Mine is the camo 12 gauge. I personally havnt had any problems with the trigure, bulkiness, or recoil even though i dont have a very big stature. Last trip i went dove hunting i shot 50 rounds through it, got my limit, and didnt have a sore shoulder at all. I've dropped this thing while chuckar hunting and its still as perfect as when i bought it.

The nova shoots well despite the heavy trigger. It patterns well and takes heavy loads almost as well as my 870. The nova I was shooting had some issues with jamming esp with 3 1/2 in shells. I took it back and the new one functioned without any problems. My biggest complaint is the LOUD forearm rattle that was seemingly incureable. I'd hate for the big Tom to hear my gun rattle instead of a muzzle blast. My buddy has a Stoeger P-350 that I took out, and I was much happier with this gun. The article in last month's Field and Stream is right on the money. It shoots just as well as a Mossberg 535 or Nova, the trigger isn't as heavy, very little forearm rattle, and at $329 for the camo..you can't beat the deal. Save some money, get a Stoeger.

I've had my Benelli Nova for a few years now and I'm completely satisfied with it in every respect. It is accurate, durable, reliable, and affordable. It is also very easy to disassemble and clean - it can be done in less than 5 minutes. The Benelli Nova has my vote!

I bought my benelli nova brand new for 295 and it was the best purchase i have ever made. I mainly used it for turkey, and squirrel, but i took it on a quail hunt this past weekend and out shot the veterans with this gun. I think I'm going to buy another for bird hunting!!!!

This is one of the best guns i have ever shot. it is flawess in the action and it never jams. it shoots straight and when you are on the gun complements very well.

The Nova is a great gun! Handles well, inexpensive and a great action. My 28inch barrel is great for high bird/clays too.

I use a 24" Nova for IPSC Practical shotgun in Standard Division in England. It is light and super reliable, recoil is insignificant and comparable to an 1187 auto if you find recoil a problem then your not holding it right. The trigger was awful at first so I removed and stoned the hammer and sear to remove the burrs, I added a MI safety with the triangular end piece to enable swift removal of the safety, either fit a 3mm spacer and longer screw or cut the action away slightly to enable fitment. The only other addition was an extended magazine one inch over barrel length to prevent mud plugs, stopped down to 8 rounds of 70mm to conform to rules. I ground away about a third of the right hand front side of the carrier to enable the magazine to be loaded out of battery too. 3 out of 4 top pump shooters in the UK can't be wrong, the other had a Nova couldn't get on with it and went back to his Winchester. They shoot high about 2 or 3 inches at 25 metres with slug although I have just purc... Read more

I just recently purchased the Benelli Nova and I agree with you, it is a great weapon.

This gun is definitely not as good as my 870. The action is definitely not as smooth and it has an artificial, plasticky feel to it. It is nice and light, but this has a downside because the recoil is brutal if you shoot it alot. The trigger is also very difficult to squeeze for an accurate shot. If you are into bird hunting where you are going to be popping off quick shots, I would recommend it, but I would stick to my 870 for anything else. Buy yourself a Remington.

from what i here this is a good gun, i was wondering, (i havent purchased on yet) if it was worth to get the camo and how to make sure the recoil reducer comes with your gun i defineityl need it. thanks for all you help

I believe the Nova is a great gun. A little recoil but not to bad when hunting. A great gun for crawling through the feilds looking to kill some birds. I'v killed many birds and over a few years and i have never killed more than with the Benelli Nova. A real gun thats not to "Expensive"....

Spectacular defensive shoutgun for the price: ghost ring sights, ability to completely field strip without tools, fairly light and ergonomic, dead accurate with all loads, tritium and recoil reducer available from mfg., ext. tube after market allows for tactical light. A little long for some. The controversy reminds me of my glock; won't win a beauty pagent, but it devastates the competition or the BG.

I have fired both the 870 and the Nova. I decided on the Nova becuase I preferred the site picture on the nova a little more. It's true that the Nova is a bulkier weapon, so if you have smaller hands, the Nova may not be the best choice. I personally liked the Nova better. It had a smoother action, it seemed lighter, and I liked the look of the Nova more. They are both great weapons and you couldn't go wrong with either. For those posting the near useless negative ratings, I would like to hear *WHY* it sucks so bad. Liking one weapon doesn't mean you have to hate its competitors. It's affordable, has a smooth action, and easy to use/clean, and its reliable (all of the aforementioned weapons maintain the highest standards of reliability in my mind).

Wow. This is an amazing shotgun. I am 18 and this is the first gun I bought. I have fired many shotguns but this one is clearly one of the best. It only cost me about $287 (NEW) dollars I also grabbed a 3 shot extension tube. The trigger is nice and easy. The plastic body helps relieve weight, unlike a Benelli M3. As for speed and comfort I entered into a pin shoot competition and got 4.48 seconds. My shoulder felt great but I still came it second place. Bottom line this is a great, fast (depending who you are), cheap, accurate, powerful gun. I own the 28in.

The only good thing I can say is, it goes bang if you have enough strength to pull the hard trigger.

I just purchased this shotgun without ever having the pleasure of firing it. It is the Benelli Nova 3 1/2. I'm glad to see the great reviews. I also own an 870 3 and absolutely love it. I look forward to getting this shotgun in the blind Friday morning.

I have shot the 870 which is great. The 500 which is alright, and the BPS which is Great, but none stand up to the nova. I think it is great and affordable. I also like the fact that it has 3 1/2 capability.

I have one of the first camo guns to be sold. I used an 870 for years. This gun is the ultimate waterfowl tool. While others are stripping their 11-87's, I'm shooting ducks. This thing eats shells and spits them out.

I purchased the Nova after doing searches on the Internet, talking to gun dealers and to gun smiths. If you are not a left handed shooter and are looking for a dependable weapon at a good value, the Nova is an outstanding choice. I am very happy with mine and will purchase the rifle slug model soon.

Horrible gun. Wouldn't trade it for my old 870 any day.

This was my first 12ga. It is great for beginners, easy to take apart, cheap and dependable. It has never given me any problems.

I have shot plenty of pump action and semi-auto shotguns both as a civilian and in the Marine Corps. I recently purchased the Nova pump 12 gauge tactical with ghost ring sights. It works great. I found it to be a good investment and recomend it to anyone looking to purchase a quality pump action shotgun.

I have owned literaly every type make and model of pump action shotgun ever made ocver the past 20 years. Yesterday I purchased a new Nova maz 4 camo 12 gauge and went out to my favorite goose spot early this morning and shot my limit for the day in half an hour 5 honkers with 5 shots. This gun is fabulous!!! I reccomend it to any one out there who wants a great gun for an even better price. At Reeds in Brainerd Mn the camo job runs $ 300.00 right now.

Traded in a Mossberg 500 (used for 20 years) for the Nova. Although the 500 never gave me any problems, the Nova seems more advanced, balanced and smooth in operation. Mine is camou-ed up and looks great. Once you get past the plastic feel you find out the thing is virtually indestructable and maintenance free. Great gun so far!

I just purchased a nova for 380 all camo'd up. i went and shot skeet and trap with it and i absolutely love it. the action is very smooth and feels great. also it was a breeze to clean and you dont have to worry about this one rusting on you. i cant wait til goose and duck season. i highly recommend this gun!!

This is the best $285 dollar investment I've ever made. This gun is an inexpensive, easy to use shotgun that is great more many different types of hunting and trap shooting. While it's not flashy, it can take a serious beating without diminishing performance and shoots like only a Benelli can, perfectly. I use this as an alternate trap gun and a primary dove hunting gun. The simplicity of it is overwhelming, I can completely disassemble and clean this gun in 15-20 minutes. The action is buttery smooth, allowing you to squeeze off all three shots in about two seconds. The gun appears bulky when you look at it, but it's rather comortable if you are the right size. One word of caution, this gun is HUGE even though no 30 barell is offered, and can be rather difficult for a younger kid to use in 12 gauge form.

This gun should not be compared to Benelli semi-auto shoyguns. The Nova is a clunky thick gun that does not have the slim graceful lines of the other Benelli's. I like the use of Poymer and the integral stock but the gun is just too bulky. It does function well and it doesn't cost too much. It shoulders OK and gives an all around acceptable performance but it won't make you want to scrap your old 870 and all of the better autos offer a lot more gun. If this gun was a bit more refined and a lot of the thickness was trimmed from the receiver I would give it one more star. The Nova is a solid performer in the class of the 870 express and the 1300 Black shadow. Definately better than the Mossberg 835. For $335 for black and $400 for the camo I'd have to say save a little more and get a lot more gun.

I own 3 of the four popular pump-action shotguns. My father baught an 870 wingmaster magnum(3") for me about 10 years ago. I have hunted in many different conditions and locations with this gun. The only problem I have ever ran into this gun is that sometimes when I wear bulky clothing my sleve will get caught in the pump action jamming it. I have shot the mossberg 500 and I am moderately happy about it. I recently purchases the benelli nova and have found no flaws with this weapon. The patterning is great and seems to be holding up to the rigorous conditions of Louisiana swamp land hunting. I give this gun a perfect score.