The Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun has earned a solid reputation among shotgun enthusiasts, and for good reason. This pump-action shotgun, known for its robust build and reliable performance, is a popular choice for hunters, sport shooters, and home defense users. This review delves into the Nova's strengths and weaknesses, providing you with a comprehensive overview to help you decide if it's the right shotgun for you.
What Makes the Benelli Nova Stand Out?
The Benelli Nova's design philosophy centers around simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance. Unlike many other shotguns on the market, the Nova boasts a unique rotary bolt system instead of a traditional slide action. This innovative design contributes to its renowned reliability, even in harsh conditions and with heavy use. Key features that contribute to its popularity include:
Robust Construction:
- Inert-filled polymer receiver: This is a significant advantage. The polymer receiver is incredibly durable, resistant to corrosion, and significantly lighter than traditional metal receivers. This translates to a lighter overall weight, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Steel components: While the receiver is polymer, critical components like the barrel and bolt are made of steel, ensuring strength and longevity.
Simple Operation:
- Easy-to-rack action: The pump action is smooth and straightforward, even for novice shooters.
- Minimal moving parts: Fewer moving parts mean less that can go wrong, contributing to the Nova's reliability.
Versatility:
- Various barrel configurations: The Benelli Nova is available with various barrel lengths and chokes, allowing you to customize it for different shooting disciplines, from hunting waterfowl to clay shooting.
- Adaptable to different needs: Its straightforward design makes it suitable for hunting, home defense, or recreational shooting.
Performance and Handling:
The Benelli Nova delivers consistent performance. Its recoil is manageable, even with heavier loads, due in part to the inertial design and the shotgun's overall weight distribution. The gun's balance and pointability are excellent, contributing to quick target acquisition. However, it's important to note that some users find the slightly larger grip slightly less ergonomic than other pump-action shotguns.
Things to Consider:
While the Benelli Nova boasts many advantages, it's essential to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:
- Weight: While lighter than some steel-receiver shotguns, it’s still heavier than some comparable polymer-receiver shotguns.
- Fit and feel: The stock design might not suit every shooter. Ergonomics are subjective, and some may find the grip size less comfortable.
- Limited aftermarket accessories: Compared to some other popular shotgun models, the aftermarket support for the Benelli Nova is relatively limited.
Benelli Nova vs. The Competition:
The Benelli Nova often finds itself compared to other popular pump-action shotguns, like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500. The Nova stands apart with its innovative rotary bolt system, lightweight polymer receiver, and straightforward operation. The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 offer greater aftermarket accessory options, but the Nova often wins in terms of simplicity and inherent reliability. The final choice comes down to individual preferences and intended use.
Conclusion:
The Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun is a reliable, durable, and versatile option for various shooting applications. Its robust construction, simple operation, and manageable recoil make it a suitable choice for both experienced and novice shooters. While certain aspects, such as limited aftermarket accessories and subjective ergonomics, might be considered drawbacks, the Nova's strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses for many users. If you're looking for a dependable pump-action shotgun with a proven track record, the Benelli Nova definitely deserves a place on your shortlist.
