Benelli Nova (Anything I should know?)

Samsquanch

Samsquanch

Active member
My 14 yo son has been saving his pennies to buy himself a 204 or a 22-250. His birthday was a couple weeks ago and he received a 204 as a gift. I knew he wanted one and we didn't have a 204 in the safe. So now he had a pickle jar full of cash that he'd been saving and no longer needed a rifle so he decided he'd use it for a shotgun. Up 'til now, he's been shooting a little H&R 20 gauge. He wanted something better suited for quicker follow ups and a bit more "punch" than the 20. This weekend, we visited some pawn shops (seem to always find good deals). He narrowed it down to a Rem 870 at $260, a Stevens (not sure of model) at $115 and a Benelli Nova at $350 (all 12 gauge). Like me, he was more partial to the Rem as it is definitely more "traditional" in its appearance and feel. We both liked the price of the Stevens but he didn't want "just a cheap gun" as he put it. The Benelli was much heavier, not nearly as "traditional" and did not seem to be as ergonomic as the others. We weighed pros and cons and after a bit of deliberation he decided to go with the Benelli.

Here's why I like pawn shops.... None of them are set on their price and a lot of times, with a bit of haggling, you can get a great deal. Granted most of what I find in pawn shops are junk, but occasionally they have some decent firearms.

We negotiated our way down to $275 and filled out paperwork. I personally have never owned a Benelli and as I understand it, the Nova is their "budget" shotgun. Even at that, I don't think we made a bad buy. If he shoots it and doesn't care for it, I think he can sell it for more than his investment and buy something else. He likes the idea of being able to run 3 1/2" shells for coyote if he wanted, But he's not sold on the "feel" of it yet. I can only assume that the Nova will carry on the good reputation of Benelli, but like I said, I know nothing about them other than people saying Benelli is a great manufacturer. Anything y'all want to add to my (very) limited knowledge of them? Pro's/Con's, things to be aware of, hacks/tweaks/fixes, etc? Most every rifle I buy, I usually tinker on a bit to get it to my liking, but I am not, by any means, a shotgun guy so I appreciate anything you have! Thanks!
 
I've killed more animals with a Benelli Supernova than any other gun I've shot other than maybe a Ruger 10/22. I've never had any issues other than shells from the 1970's sticking in mine and I honestly can't say how many shells it's had through it. I've shot piles and piles of varmints and birds with that shotgun.

That gun will last him a lifetime if he takes care of it. Heck, probably even if he doesn't take care of it, it'll still function long after we're all gone.
 
The Benelli Nova is the most awkward pump gun I've ever used. For me a 2x4 would handle better. My BinL brought one on a duck hunt and after missing a bunch of ducks I loned him my spare 870 finally he killed some ducks. I tried it for a few hours and couldn't find one redeeming quality. I've owned and shot Rem 870s &31, High Standard/JC Higgins, Ithaca, Win 12&1200 and carried a Stevens on patrols in Vietnam.

Now if it fits him and he likes it, he isn't going the be happy with something else. He can always trade it off in the future.
 
AWS said:
The Benelli Nova is the most awkward pump gun I've ever used. For me a 2x4 would handle better. My BinL brought one on a duck hunt and after missing a bunch of ducks I loned him my spare 870 finally he killed some ducks. I tried it for a few hours and couldn't find one redeeming quality. I've owned and shot Rem 870s &31, High Standard/JC Higgins, Ithaca, Win 12&1200 and carried a Stevens on patrols in Vietnam.

Now if it fits him and he likes it, he isn't going the be happy with something else. He can always trade it off in the future.
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That was the same kinda "feel" I had for it. I wish a person had the option to swap the stock and fore end on them. Maybe you can the fore end, but from what I understand, the stock is molded right onto the receiver making it a solid piece that can't be swapped. It is definitely an awkward design. I've only ever had Mossberg and Winchester pump guns and an old Sears & Roebuck Semi. They were all very easy to handle.
 
When I shot 3 gun I ran a tweaked and tinkered with supernova which is identical in feel and mechanics.
I found it to be a bit clunkier in feel than the Winchester and Remington's that I ran before. The biggest issue I had which I doubt most people need to worry about is if I ran the pump too fast I could out run the follower causing the next shell to not feed in time. Purchased new go fast parts from Europe to fix that issue.
 
Well it doesn't really matter now that he bought the Nova but I'd been hard pressed not to buy the 870. Parts are everywhere and usually relatively cheap. But to late now, enjoy the Benelli!!
 
William Suter said:
Well it doesn't really matter now that he bought the Nova but I'd been hard pressed not to buy the 870. Parts are everywhere and usually relatively cheap. But to late now, enjoy the Benelli!!
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We did originally go into the shop with the Rem. The guy behind the counter was not very interested in selling I believe as he told us we'd have to come back on Monday to do the background. Said if he did it then (Saturday), we'd just have to redo it again Monday. I tried to explain to him that was not how backgrounds worked but he wouldn't budge. Finally told me it was their store's policy. I just smiled and told him good luck. IMHO, I don't think he had any business in the store if he doesn't know how the process works. Long story short, yes, we got the Benelli and yes, it's too late to ask "Is it a good gun" lol but I was certain that my boy can make his money back on it and then some if he doesn't like it at all after shooting it. The fact that we went through the rigamaroo of all this also helped my boy decide on the Benelli. lol
 


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