Benelli Nova
Posted May 19, 2023
As one of the oldest and most trusted corporations in the world today, Italian-based Arms company Benelli holds legendary status among firearm enthusiasts. Established in 1911, Benelli has manufactured a wide variety of firearms since the early 20th century, including its well-known Nova Pump-Action Shotgun.
The Benelli Nova Pump-Action Shotgun is a well-made, dependable firearm created with both performance and style in mind. Available in either 8-gauge or 12-gauge, the Nova is praised by experts for its simple design and legendary reliability, making it a popular choice among hunters, competition shooters, and home defense users alike. The Nova has a matte black finish on its receiver and barrel, as well as a checkered, thumb-operated safety for improved safety and convenience of use. It is also lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver in the field.
The Nova features a piston-driven gas system, which means that the pressure from the gas piston and the force from the expanding gas is used to cycle the action of the shotgun. This gas system is not only more reliable than the traditional inertia-based systems, it also reduces the amount of felt recoil and muzzle rise when firing, allowing shooters to stay on target more easily. The Nova also features a 3-inch chamber, allowing you to use smaller size shells that may otherwise be too short for other shotguns.
The Nova features a 4+1 capacity with a polished blue shell follower, as well as a 24-inch barrel and a 14-inch length of pull. This makes it one of the easiest and most versatile shotguns on the market, allowing you to quickly and easily switch between different types of ammunition without having to worry about any changes to the gun’s setup. Additionally, the Nova features a synthetic stock with the famous Benelli logo on the buttstock.
Overall this shotgun is one of the best on the market and it is easy to see why it has such a dedicated following of shooters. The smooth, reliable, and versatile operation of the Benelli Nova Pump-Action Shotgun makes it ideal for a variety of shooting and hunting applications. The lightweight design and wide variety of ammo available make it the perfect choice for a home defense shotgun or for carrying on long trips in the field. The reliability and low felt recoil of the choke gives it a competitive edge in sporting competitions and target shooting. With its simple, easy-to-maintain design and extensive list of features, the Nova is a fantastic choice for any shooter, regardless of his or her experience level.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable and durable construction
-Lightweight and easy to carry
-Smooth pump action
-Easy to clean
-Affordable price
-Available in a variety of finish, barrel lengths, stocks, and chokes
-Interchangeable barrels
-Interchangeable stock and forearm
-Large selection of synthetic, wood, and camouflage stocks
Cons:
-Lack of aftermarket gun parts
-Short magazine capacity (4+1 rounds)
-Limited range of ammunition options
-Tendency to jam on low-powered ammo
-Fixed cylinder choke can only handle light to moderate loads
Who Should Buy
Anyone who wants a reliable, workhorse-type pump-action shotgun should consider the Benelli Nova. The gun is reliable, easy to use, and available in a variety of models from a basic plain-Jane to a fully tricked out tactical model. It also performs well in adverse weather and rough conditions, making it a great option for hunting, shooting, and home defense.
However, this shotgun is slightly more expensive than some of the other comparable pump actions on the market. As such, budget-minded shooters may want to look at other options. Additionally, experienced and competitive shooters may find that the slower cycling action of the Nova limits their speed of fire.
Comparisons
| Benelli Nova | Remington 870 Express | Browning A5 | Winchester SXP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge: 12 | Gauge: 12 | Gauge: 12 | Gauge: 12 |
| Magazine Capacity: 4+1 | Magazine Capacity: 4+1 Shells | Magazine Capacity: 4 Shells | Magazine Capacity: 5 Shells |
| Barrel Length: 28" | Barrel Length: 28" | Barrel Length: 28" | Barrel Length: 28" |
| Stock Type: Synthetic Pistol | Stock Type: Synthetic | Stock Type: Walnut | Stock Type: Synthetic |
| Sights: Bead Sight | Sights: Bead Sight | Sights: Hi-Viz® Fiber Optic | Sights: Brass Bead |
| Chamber: 3” | Chamber: 3” | Chamber: 3.5” | Chamber: 3” |
Features / Specs
• 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun
• Available in standard or Comfortech stock models
• Realtree All Purpose Camo finish
• Length of Pull (LOP)—14.0″
• Weight—7.3 lbs.
• Chrome-lined chamber and barrel
• Six-round magazine capacity
• Anti-jam/auto regulating gas operating system
• Synthetic stock and fore-end
• Shoots 3″ and 3.5″ shells
Popular Accessories
shotguns?
- Sling: A Benelli Nova shotgun sling is very popular and comes in a variety of colors and material.
- Soft Case: These cases are padded and provide protection for transporting and storing your shotgun.
- Choke Tubes: Interchangeable and extended choke tubes are available for customizing your shotgun's performance.
- Recoil Pads: Recoil pads are available to help reduce recoil and improve comfort while shooting.
- Rails/Mounts: Rails and mounts are available to customize your shotgun's accessories, such as optics, lasers, and lights.
- Magazines: Benelli Nova magazines are available for a variety of different types of shotshells.
- Stock Sets: Aftermarket stocks are available for customizing your shotgun's fit and feel.
Accuracy
The Benelli Nova is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and accurate pump-action shotguns on the market today. Due to its smooth action, light weight design, and consistent cycling, the Benelli Nova is capable of producing very tight patterns and consistent shot performance when used with a variety of different loads. The Nova, with its 18.5 inch barrel, is especially suited for shooting at close range targets, and with its comfortable fixed-length-of-pull synthetic stock, the shooter can maintain a steady and consistent grip on the gun, aiding in accuracy. With simple modifications to the magazine tube, it is possible to extend the capacity up to seven rounds, allowing a larger magazine potential to be used with accuracy and consistency. For those looking for a simple, reliable, and accurate shotgun suitable for home defense, the Benelli Nova is an excellent option.
