18.5 or 24 inch barrel?

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rkm456

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I picked up a Benelli Nova (28 inch barrel) a few weeks back and I'm looking to get a shorter barrel and mag extension for it. The mag extension I can obviously figure out after getting the barrel, but I really can't decide between 18.5 and 24 inches. Anyone have any big reasons to pick one over the other? My ideal would be a 20, but they don't seem to exist. Right now I'm leaning toward the 18.5 (It is threaded for chokes) but thought I'd take some opinions.
 
It'll likely just see range time. I'm also supposed to be doing a tactical shooting course this summer. It may see some hunting use but it's a back up to my SBE ii and even then I still have the factory 28 inch barrel.
 
Just have a smith chop it down to whatever size you like. TACORD did a great job on my versamax.
 
b_w. said:
Just have a smith chop it down to whatever size you like. TACORD did a great job on my versamax.
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I've heard they do good work, but I'm pretty sure shortening a rethreading would be a negligible difference or even more costly than buying a new barrel.
 
The fact that it's a pump means there's no legal capacity limit (unless you're hunting).

So first you need to figure out how many rounds you want to hold in the gun.
Then you can decide on the perfect barrel length to match it.

For example; If you wanted to put a +7 extension on the gun, your 28" barrel will be just fine.

If you're willing to settle for a +1 or +2, then maybe the 18.5" barrel will be more suitable.
 
Dexter Morgan said:
The fact that it's a pump means there's no legal capacity limit (unless you're hunting).

So first you need to figure out how many rounds you want to hold in the gun.
Then you can decide on the perfect barrel length to match it.

For example; If you wanted to put a +7 extension on the gun, your 28" barrel will be just fine.

If you're willing to settle for a +1 or +2, then maybe the 18.5" barrel will be more suitable.
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Right now I'm looking into getting a +2 to go with an 18.5 inch barrel. I'm thinking if I get one of the modular tubes I can also get a +7 for the 28 inch barrel. Nice to have options.
 
Get some KY jelly for when you find a barrel. They cost nearly as much as a Nova. +2 Nordic extension is about 1/2" from the muzzle on an 18.5" barrel. Not sure if any retailers have them in Canada but Brownells sells them. They're good quality. I think S&J sells steel 1 pc extensions for them too.
 
supernova said:
Get some KY jelly for when you find a barrel. They cost nearly as much as a Nova. +2 Nordic extension is about 1/2" from the muzzle on an 18.5" barrel. Not sure if any retailers have them in Canada but Brownells sells them. They're good quality. I think S&J sells steel 1 pc extensions for them too.
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300 bucks. I didn't think that was too unreasonable. Especially with Novas going for about $650 these days.
 
Thats a great price. They were $450 and nearly unobtainium when I was looking a few years ago. Nova's were $450-500 at the time. I'm glad to see the price go down, thats cool.
 
supernova said:
Thats a great price. They were $450 and nearly unobtainium when I was looking a few years ago. Nova's were $450-500 at the time. I'm glad to see the price go down, thats cool.
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It should be said I didn't get a Benelli barrel. I got one of the Carlson's replacement barrels. They seem to have a good handle on shotgun performance I figured their barrels would be okay. 18.5" with rifle sights and it comes threaded for Mobil chokes so I can use what came with the gun. There's a shop locally that's a Carlson's distributor. Hoping to get out and shoot it in the next week or 2. I'm still looking for a couple other things for it though...
 
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