Express Super Mag 870 Vs Super Nova

H Wally

H Wally

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It looks like I've got someone who likes hunting enough that we need two shotguns. This is a natural opportunity to get a second pump gun for myself so I can hand over the 870 to them, so now I'm looking for "the best".

So far I've always preferred my plain 870 magnum. Always been reliable, always done what I wanted, and I really have no complaints. I like guns that can take abuse and keep going, so looks take a back seat to function. It's also nice when I don't have to sell a kidney to afford it.

Recently I had the opportunity to shoot the 870 Express Super Mag and found it just as comfortable to shoot as the Mag, but with the added bonus of the extra pellets at a distance when using steel, which I appreciate. I also like that slug barrels are available, as I quite enjoyed shooting rifled slugs before I stupidly sold the barrel :eek:

On the other hand, I've often wondered about the Super Nova. Same 3 1/2 chamber option, different but apparently very solid design, and equally strong support from hunters who like it. Haven't heard much in the way of negatives on it really, which is making me wonder if it's worth trying it even though I like the 870. Only real downside I see is that rifled barrels cost in the realm of $550 :(

Seems I'm comparing two very similar products. They're both 3 1/2 inch capable if need be. Both have strong followings. Both strong, durable and reliable (870's do get some negative reviews I'll admit, the Nova's seem to have a clean slate). I realize the 3 1/2 chamber is not always considered necessary, but lets say for the purpose of this discussion it's something I want. Is there anything I'm missing here?




(I also realize there's a thread on the 870 vs nova topic already, however I figured this was a little different so worth making a different thread http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1449559-870-vs-Nova )
 
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I prefer 870's just for fit/feel, mechanically the Super Nova is just as good if not a better put together gun, they just feel awful in my arms, like swinging a boat anchor. I find them chunky, ungainly and heavy. Most gun stores will tell you that more 870 Super Mags come back then standard 870's for a multitude of reasons, most of which I suspect being that the 870 Super Mag was not designed around the 3.5 shell but rather modified to accept it. I don't know too many new shooters that would enjoy banging away with 3.5 shells but thats just me, never saw the need for them as the extra pellets are less important compared to knowing how to shoot, patterning your gun and making sure it fits properly.

Patrick
 
phinton81 said:
I prefer 870's just for fit/feel, mechanically the Super Nova is just as good if not a better put together gun, they just feel awful in my arms, like swinging a boat anchor. I find them chunky, ungainly and heavy. Most gun stores will tell you that more 870 Super Mags come back then standard 870's for a multitude of reasons, most of which I suspect being that the 870 Super Mag was not designed around the 3.5 shell but rather modified to accept it. I don't know too many new shooters that would enjoy banging away with 3.5 shells but thats just me, never saw the need for them as the extra pellets are less important compared to knowing how to shoot, patterning your gun and making sure it fits properly.

Patrick
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Good point on the feel - it's something that I still need to try out. Also good point on the Super Mags being returned. I feel like it shouldn't have too many issues just being upscaled, but I've never handled them either. It's a real pity the Nova's rifled barrels are so darn expensive or the decision would be easier.
 
I have both a Remington 870 Express(3") and a Benelli Nova, I like them both for different reasons. Now to compare apples to apples, the 870 Supermag is the version of the 870 that renders the biggest pile of complaints about Remington, if one needs 3.5" capability, I would be looking at the Benelli Nova/Supernova followed by the BPS and then the Winchester SXP, the Remington Supermag would not be on my list. The Benelli doesn't jam unless you short shuck it, period. It will feed, fire and spit out any brand of ammo you feed it, without exception.
 
Maritime Storm said:
I have both a Remington 870 Express(3") and a Benelli Nova, I like them both for different reasons. Now to compare apples to apples, the 870 Supermag is the version of the 870 that renders the biggest pile of complaints about Remington, if one needs 3.5" capability, I would be looking at the Benelli Nova/Supernova followed by the BPS and then the Winchester SXP, the Remington Supermag would not be on my list. The Benelli doesn't jam unless you short shuck it, period. It will feed, fire and spit out any brand of ammo you feed it, without exception.
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Rotating bolt ftw. Also, chrome lining is awesome and Benelli puts that on the nova and supernova
 
Both are designed to handle steel shot, the cons to a chrome lined barrel though are cleaning, every one I've owned seems to pick-up wad fouling worse than chrome steel barrels do, or so I find. If I shoot 100 rounds through my 870 on the skeet field vs the Benelli, I will spend extra 10 minutes to get the wad fouling out the Benelli, the 870 barrel seems to stay cleaner in this regard. The Nova/Supernova are better designed, one can completely strip the action on them in about 30 seconds without tools for a complete cleaning, the 870 requires a pin punch and fiddling to get the action bars & breach block out. Both guns have their pro & cons. The 870 Supermag has a different breach block set-up vs the 870 Magnum, personally I think this where the issues crop up regarding FTF & FTE, the barrels are the same part#. My 870 Express will feed and extract most promo loads it's feed, I refuse to buy any Winchester ammo that doesn't have AA stamped on it, I've never used the Winchester promo loads in my pumps, so I can't comment how they work in them.
 
870s today can be a hit or a miss in terms of quality but they still have the same ergonomics as the first one built in 1949. The Benelli feels like a fence post and handles like one. Benelli triggers have improved but still require twice the effort to pull. The 870 also requires a shorter stroke in order to fully cycle which leads to greater reliability (yes they both shoot 3.5" but no they don't have the same stroke travel). The Benelli costs 35-40% more than it's really worth vs 10% for the 870. The if you're dead set on the un-necessary 3.5" capability then buy a used 870 Super Mag that was built before 2003...otherwise go buy a new Browning BPS Stalker with 3" chamber. They are the best bang for your buck today...and that's coming from a guy that owns more 870 Wingmaster shotguns than he cares to admit! Lol!
 
I wouldn't agree on saying the Benelli handles like a fence post, I shoot my best scores with my Nova, the trigger pull does leave something to be desired, mine has alot of take-up. I agree that Benelli products aren't cheap, however I'm not sure I wouldn't say the Nova is overpriced, the Supernova, maybe. He already has an 870 Express Magnum(3"), some of the older BPS's were chambered in 3.5", his question was about going to 3.5" and asking for a comparison between 2 models he was looking at.
 
I own a Supernova it was my first shotgun and been using it for a while, The comfortech stock with the rubber is nice but I have shot a Mossberg 500 and could not tell much difference in recoil.
 
I'd personally pick the 870 over the Benelli. They just shoulder right for me, and unlike the Benelli...I like the look of them. :) I've shot 2-3/4" from an 870 SuperMag but never 3-1/2". Even at 6'1" and being on the dark side of 280lbs., I can't imagine it would feel very good for very long. lol Regardless, I've worked on a number of 870 Express-level 870s that "had problems" and 1/2 of them were neglect, the other half were chambers that needed about 20 minutes of TLC for some minor issue or another. However, as stated, never shot 3-1/2" from one.
 
i also own both the supermag and supernova, supermag is your basic run of the mill shotgun, upgradeable with relatively cheap parts, the supernova has a much different feel, and i mainly bought it so i wouldn't have to oil my gun after every duck/goose hunt. however after having it, there are things that are substantially different to 870's. the felt recoil is much less which is nice for the 3.5 loads, the rubber coating is nice, but to me it seems a lot like the 887's they look very similar. I've only had it for a few months now, and only had it out a couple times. bought it because i broke the buttstock on my 870, and that was a good enough excuse for 9'er. (got a new buttstock too) its a big price tag for a pump and the shotgun is slightly more complicated but they shoot nice. if you are wanting a rifle barrel for hunting, keep the 870 there are no 3.5 slugs for it. so it doesn't matter that its not a superman. also i was told on good authority supernova are going to be headed north of $1100 this year on all new orders.
 
I prefer wood on my guns for purely aesthetic reasons, I have a hardwood(Birch) on one and laminate on my other 870. I prefer the laminate personally. The synthetic stocks are usually lighter and have a different feel to them. It really depends on what your preferences are.
 
Maritime Storm said:
I prefer wood on my guns for purely aesthetic reasons, I have a hardwood(Birch) on one and laminate on my other 870. I prefer the laminate personally. The synthetic stocks are usually lighter and have a different feel to them. It really depends on what your preferences are.
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I like the wood ones too, and find them warmer-feeling in cold weather. It's also been my experience that with their synthetic stocks...after about 50+ rounds or so..they're rough enough to grind a little skin off the right side of my face. After a long trap-shooting session, my wife once asked me if someone punched me. lol Never happens with the wood stocks.
 
.22LRGUY said:
I like the wood ones too, and find them warmer-feeling in cold weather. It's also been my experience that with their synthetic stocks...after about 50+ rounds or so..they're rough enough to grind a little skin off the right side of my face. After a long trap-shooting session, my wife once asked me if someone punched me. lol Never happens with the wood stocks.
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What gun is doing this to you? A regular practice day for me will see at least 100 shells through the gun, shooting league or competition can mean double that, my Nova has never left marks on my face.
 
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