Mossberg 590A1 or Benelli Supernova 18.5" for 3 gun/multi gun - which one to pick?

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Rickster66

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Mossberg 590A1 or Benelli Supernova 18.5" for 3 gun/multi gun - which one to pick?

Looking to get some collective wisdom for the CGN community. I'm looking to get started in 3-gun/multi gun and currently do not have a shotgun. I'd love a versamax but I'm looking to use a pump for its simplicity and lower cost. My budget allows me to spend more than a 500/870 but not a Benellli M4. I've narrowed my shotgun choice to either a 590A1 20" or a Benelli Supernova 18.5. I'm leaning towards the 590a1 because of price, durability and its ergonomics. Is there any reason I should spend the extra money on the Supernova. I liked the Benelli for its super simple/quick takedown, magazine override to swap shells and ability to use 3 1/2 shells if I want to buy a longer barrel and take it hunting. I've tried both and they fit/feel fine to me. Just wondering for those who've used either or both what they like or don't like. Thanks in advance.
 
I have owned and used both, and the bottom line is either one will do fine in 3 gun competition. I have found that personally I prefer the bead sight to the ghost ring, and as such the supernova has been my preferred gun (I mostly use an M2 now as I enjoy semi's). Practice is key - knowing where your point of impact is for slugs at various distances and patterns for steel/clays. The better you get at reloading, the better your times will be as well, regardless of the actual gun you use.

lonedrone
 
Regardless of brand or model, get a shotgun with removable chokes and the ability to use an extension to load the max number of rounds permitted by your 3 gun org.
 
Does the 590 have choke tubes?
If not, I would go with the Benelli. (I'm biased, I love Italian guns)

3.5" loading port, lifter that pops out of the way (yes the 590 doesnt have a lifter per say, but the Benelli's creates a ramp to the mag tube), chokes so you can change them as the stage dictates.
A cyl bore barrel won't do you much good if you have to engage small and heavy steel at 25 yards.
Frustrating to watch competitors struggle by shooting at a target 4 or 5 times, watching it wobble and not fall. (good for my overall score though!!)

Buying a replacement barrel for a Benelli isn't exactly an economical thing to do.

You would be better off trying to find a 24" Nova or Supernova and have the best of both worlds (short for competition and long-ish for hunting)
Also nothing wrong with a 26" barrel. weight difference isn't that much, and length is a moot point due to the fact that if you are going to be competing in 3-gun, you will have a magtube extension longer than your barrel.
26" may be easier to find.

A Nova will save you a couple hundred in purchase price and is comparable to a supernova.
Differences are you can remove/adjust/shim the supernova stock to fit you better, and most supernova's come with the comfortech stock that reduces recoil a little bit.
I personally like the trigger group shape better on the Nova

Oh, and pistol grip vs field/hunting type stocks.
personal preference, but I feel the field stock is easier and more natural to hold/point. Biggest thing for me though, is that it interrupts my loading when I do load 2/ quad loading.
I'm faster without a pistol grip stock.

So, having said all of that, if I was looking to buy something right now my choice would be a 24-26" Nova or Supernova.

But, you should try and find a 590 and Benelli to try out and see which one feels better to you, which you feel more comfortable with, and most importantly which one fits you better.
Fast shotgun shooting is all about shotgun fit.
If its not pointing where you are looking, you aren't hitting.

read this for a bit of insight:
http://www.multigunmedia.com/shotgun-fit.pdf
 
I love my 24" Supernova. The +6 extension goes about 2" beyond. Uber-accurate on long-range slug shots. Definitely like the Comfortech stock better. I'm a new shotgunner, so take my word with a grain of salt.
 
The only thing I can add to what pauls said, is that you will have to send 590 to be threaded for chokes right away and get a few chokes for it.

Also 20" barrel is somewhat short for shooting slugs at distances 50y+, you'll need to know where to aim exactly, so it is a bit easier to shoot slugs from 22"..26" barrels.
 
I'm a big 590A1 advocate. But for 3 gun, I'd go with a Supernova with a comfortech field style stock.
 
i really like the Mossberg because:

the tang safety is easier to apply when dumping a hot gun

they are one of the few manufacturers that does not have a "door" or "loading gate" which can, from time to time, lead to malfunctions if you do not push the shell all the way into the magazine. (for me at least!)
 
Awesome input guys. Thanks. I think I'll look for a longer Supernova to be better equipped for the longer distance targets. I'll see how it feels with the comfort tech stock and go from there.
 
Rickster66 said:
Awesome input guys. Thanks. I think I'll look for a longer Supernova to be better equipped for the longer distance targets. I'll see how it feels with the comfort tech stock and go from there.
Click to expand...

The reason I went for a straight swap (via EE) my pistol grip for another member's Comfortech stock was that I just couldn't get comfortable loading the gun. Now, as a shotgun newb, a lot of it is lack of skill/practice, but the difference was night and day. Check the EE btw. I got mine for something like $500 when there weren't any on the shelves.. Great shape, just had to clean out a few twigs :)
 
I was originally thinking of getting the supernova for 3gun also but after talking with guys in the US that shoot 3gun alot i decided to go with a stoeger M3000 / m3500 they are in the same price range but semi-auto inertia system same as you find in an M2. havent regretted it sofar :)
 
Nichiren said:
I was originally thinking of getting the supernova for 3gun also but after talking with guys in the US that shoot 3gun alot i decided to go with a stoeger M3000 / m3500 they are in the same price range but semi-auto inertia system same as you find in an M2. havent regretted it sofar :)
Click to expand...

Where can i find a m3000 in Canada?
 
mechanik,
Do you find the 28" long or slow to swing? I've never done 3 gun and ignored the 28" barrel length because I thought it would be slow to point/transition from target to target. I was going to look for a 24" or maybe a 26" but never considered a 28". Have you used shorter barrels in the past? Any additional insight would be appreciated.
 
Rickster66 said:
mechanik,
Do you find the 28" long or slow to swing? I've never done 3 gun and ignored the 28" barrel length because I thought it would be slow to point/transition from target to target. I was going to look for a 24" or maybe a 26" but never considered a 28". Have you used shorter barrels in the past? Any additional insight would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

With a +6 extension on it, the tube will be almost that long anyway.

I would have gotten a 24 or 26 inch had it been available, but the 28" was all I could track down at the time.

I haven't found it a hindrance.
 
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