870 vs Nova

James1873

James1873

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
112   0   0
Location
McLennan, Alberta
So I have a benelli nova, and I wasn't planning on buying another 12 gauge. But a co worker mentioned asked if I knew anyone who wanted an 870 for $200, I figured that was a pretty good deal so I picked it up. He said he bought it new 8 years ago, maybe fired a box through it.
I'm pretty sure it's the express model, it only says "Remington 870" on the side of the receiver. Matte black finish with laminated wood.

So anyway I think I like this 870 more then the nova lol... Both pretty much same lop, perfect fit for me. 870 seems lighter on the muzzle end and it's definitely thinner then the nova. But nova takes 3 1/2 inch.

Can't decide which one to let go.

What would you keep? An 870 or nova?
 
why decide on only 1?, thats a good price on an 870, buy it, take them both out shooting, clean them, and tuck them into your safe or whatever you have, and now your nova has a friend?..lol

in all seriousness, buy it, you cant go wrong with an 870, and you wont know till ya shoot it a bunch which one you like better
 
3.5" shells are cool if you're hunting a lot of turkeys, other than that it's not a big deal, just mostly marketing. For $200 why rush getting rid of it? shoot 'em both, figure out which one works better, and make the other one the backup!
 
At that price, I'd buy the 870, if for any reason I wasn't happy with it I would sell it and recoup the cost. I have both, the 870 is heavier, not as smooth and rougher finished, both work fine, once you've fired a 3.5" shell through a slide action, you probably won't have any desire to repeat the experience. The Nova has a rotary bolt lockup, it will feed, fire and eject anything you feed it, without exception.
 
870 Express 3 inch heavier than a Benelli Nova ?? not that I know. Seems that the OP is saying that the 870 doesn't handle 3 1/2 inch.
My Nova weighs exactly 8 pounds, and thus sops up some of the recoil of heavy steel shotshells. But I never shoot 3 1/2 inch, and see no use for them.
Never hefted a heavy 870 Express, but then I am not sure I ever handled one chambered 3 1/2 inch.
 
The Nova is a dedicated waterfowl/turkey gun. That's what it was designed to be. 8lbs, rugged, impervious to the elements. It has very nice features that you don't get on other pumps at the price.

The 870 Express is serviceable, slimmer and handles better for al types of hunting pursuits including upland.

Having owned 870 Express, Mossberg 500, a Wingmaster, Nova, Ithaca 37, and Win 12. They all work well, they all kill ducks, deer, and clays. Just depends which FITS you, which ergos you like, and which you shoot the best. I only have the Nova left, but I still enjoyed the 870 Express and Mossberg. The Benelli just has a more solid feel, more quality put into all the parts, and is well engineered.
 
saskbooknut said:
870 Express 3 inch heavier than a Benelli Nova ?? not that I know. Seems that the OP is saying that the 870 doesn't handle 3 1/2 inch.
My Nova weighs exactly 8 pounds, and thus sops up some of the recoil of heavy steel shotshells. But I never shoot 3 1/2 inch, and see no use for them.
Never hefted a heavy 870 Express, but then I am not sure I ever handled one chambered 3 1/2 inch.
Click to expand...

Just held both in my hands, my 870 Express Wood is the heavier of the 2, at least in my case. The real difference I noticed is in the weight of the barrels, the Remington barrel has better part of 1/2 lb on the Benelli.
 
$200 was a cheap investment to have a back up shotgun ... I'd keep both. Maybe you'll hunt with a friend sometimes and can lend the spare out. Otherwise, you'll easily find someone willing to buy either shotgun.
 
If for some reason you are not able or interested in keeping both my preference would be the 870.

Infinitely more modifiable to make it what you want.

Also, 3.5" 12 gauge has very little use in reality.

Nova is a decent gun though, albeit a bit ugly to me.

That's my opinion, however yours might be different.
 
I have shot the nova and owned an 870. I say keep the nova. Not even a hard choice. Unless you are into modifying the heck out of guns, only then keep the 870.

However I am going to recommended the SXP. I prefer it over the nova and 870. Nothing bad to say about the SXP
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom