Buying a Benelli Nova/Supernova

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Schikk

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I think I've set my sights on a 12 gauge Benelli Nova or Supernova for my first shotgun and I was hoping for a little feedback.

My intended use will be trap, skeet and fowl hunting.

In additional to any general feedback, here are some specific questions I'd love some input on:

1. Nova vs. Supernova: my understanding is that the main difference between these models is the recoil reduction from the modular Comfortech stock on the Supernova, some more stock customizability and, I'm unclear on this, but possibly a more robust chamber. In your opinion, are these improvements worth the extra $150? For what it's worth I'm 5'10, 195lbs and I think I have pretty decent firing technique/stance.

2. 3-1/2" Chamber: although Benelli seems to produce a 3" chamber, I've only seen them for sale in 3-1/2". I know you can use shorter shells in a longer chamber, but is 3-1/2" the right choice?

3. 26" vs. 28" Barrel: what's the right choice for my intended use and how important is the 2" difference?

4. Price and availability: seems these shotguns don't appear to be in stock at many of my local stores and interestingly cabelas.ca have the best price I've come across at $499 and $649 for the nova and supernova, respectively. Has anyone come across better pricing?

Thanks folks!
 
1) Personally, yes worth the extra 150$. Stock is more adjustable and comfortable with the comfortech. Chamber and mechanics appear to be the same on my Benelli Nova vs the Super Nova.
2)the SuperNova/Nova only come in 3.5". That's perfect, you can shoot anything in them.

3) For hunting the 26" swings nicer for me especially when you are in a blind, but the 28" SBE2 I have works fine as a trap skeet gun.
4)Last I looked that is a good price. Check Sail as well.

Great first choices. I have never been disappointed in any of my Benelli shotguns. First gun was a Nova and it will always stay with me. My Workhorse is my custom SBE2 and my match gun is the M4. Benelli will always be my go to shotgun. But as I always say, buys what feels best to you!
 
arcticcathonda said:
1) Personally, yes worth the extra 150$. Stock is more adjustable and comfortable with the comfortech. Chamber and mechanics appear to be the same on my Benelli Nova vs the Super Nova.
2)the SuperNova/Nova only come in 3.5". That's perfect, you can shoot anything in them.

3) For hunting the 26" swings nicer for me especially when you are in a blind, but the 28" SBE2 I have works fine as a trap skeet gun.
4)Last I looked that is a good price. Check Sail as well.

Great first choices. I have never been disappointed in any of my Benelli shotguns. First gun was a Nova and it will always stay with me. My Workhorse is my custom SBE2 and my match gun is the M4. Benelli will always be my go to shotgun. But as I always say, buys what feels best to you!
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Great feedback, thanks!
 
They pop up for sale in the classifieds quite a bit if you keep an eye on there.

Both are nice guns with the major difference being the comforttech stock. Both have a 3.5" chamber. 26" vs. 28" barrel is all personal preference.
 
I'd go with the Nova. You don't need comfortech or adjustable shims. The regular Nova with 28'' barrel is 8 lbs, plenty to absorb 3'' waterfowl loads. I like the Nova because it is more streamline in design, especially around the receiver. The Supernova has all these styling attributes on the receiver that make it fatter, and I don't really care for the enlarged trigger guard. Also, it's easier to access the action release on the Nova, whereas it is more tucked into the larger trigger guard on the SN. You also don't need the mercury recoil reducer. The Nova is just fine, barely any felt recoil due to weight. Use the money and get ammo to get used to the gun. Find one used here for $450.

You also don't need camouflage.

Get an 870 Wingmaster if not.
 
The principle difference between the 2 is the stock, on the Nova the stock is overmolded onto the receiver, the Supernova has a 2 piece receiver & stock, the stock is shim adjustable. In my case the Nova fits me like a glove so I bought it and put the difference into reloading supplies for the range. My only regret is that I went with a 28" barrel intead of the 26".
 
Best thing to do as always if you can, try them out, shoulder them and see how they feel. They have different stocks which affects the way it fits plus everyone has their preference for feel. I went Super because I'm a Super awesome guy so why not have the Super awesome shotgun... lol
Seriously though, the Super has more options to better fit, plus if you really wanted you could get a pistol grip stock for it down the road.

But if the regular Nova fits, that gives you $150 worth of ammo and clays to have some fun on the trap range and get used to the feel and handling
 
condomboy said:
Best thing to do as always if you can, try them out, shoulder them and see how they feel. They have different stocks which affects the way it fits plus everyone has their preference for feel. I went Super because I'm a Super awesome guy so why not have the Super awesome shotgun... lol
Seriously though, the Super has more options to better fit, plus if you really wanted you could get a pistol grip stock for it down the road.

But if the regular Nova fits, that gives you $150 worth of ammo and clays to have some fun on the trap range and get used to the feel and handling
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yup all about fit. I like having the shim kit on my SBE2 as I can have the shotgun custom fit to me. I can also change the fit for t-shirt weather in the summer vs, bulky parker fit for waterfowl season. That being said, my Nova fit me well enough anyways. Shoulder both. Close your eyes and mount the shotgun. Open your eyes. If you have the proper sight alignment then your fit is pretty good. If you are off, your cast, drop or LOP need to be fixed.
 
I am new to shotguns for personal use, so please excuse the newb question:

I have heard about barrels being easily interchangeable on shotguns, because rifled long barrels are better for slugs (deer hunting), and smooth barrels are better for buck/bird shot.

If that is true, can you easily swap out the barrels on the Tactical Supernova? Can I buy the short 14" barrel version, and then buy a second 26" rifled barrel, and easily swap them if I want to shoot slugs?

Thank you for your patience with me.

Supernova_zpsd068169c.jpg
 
Petamocto said:
I am new to shotguns for personal use, so please excuse the newb question:

I have heard about barrels being easily interchangeable on shotguns, because rifled long barrels are better for slugs (deer hunting), and smooth barrels are better for buck/bird shot.

If that is true, can you easily swap out the barrels on the Tactical Supernova? Can I buy the short 14" barrel version, and then buy a second 26" rifled barrel, and easily swap them if I want to shoot slugs?

Thank you for your patience with me.

Supernova_zpsd068169c.jpg
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benelli barrels are hard to find and expensive so yes but it will be expensive.
 
Petamocto said:
Okay, thank you. Follow ups then, I'm assuming the stock 14" barrel would be smooth and not rifled?

If so, could an average person hit anything from 100 with a non-rifled slug with a 14" smooth barrel?
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no maybe under 70 yards. Rifled slugs work as well just shorter ranges but if it can be done just need more hold over and practice. Most rifled slugs would drop 6 to 10 inches at 100. http://www.ddfishing.on.ca/firearms.htm. Look at new barrel section.
 
pbonura said:
no maybe under 70 yards. Rifled slugs work as well just shorter ranges but if it can be done just need more hold over and practice. Most rifled slugs would drop 6 to 10 inches at 100. http://www.ddfishing.on.ca/firearms.htm. Look at new barrel section.
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Very useful, thank you. Is that drop because the 14" barrel is too short to generate any velocity, or would it be the same if I got an 18" barrel?

I was talking about rifled slugs, by the way. I'm not talking about hitting anything with a buck/bird shot from 100. I would only ever be shooting small game from much closer, but I'd like the deer-from-100 option for a rifled slug.
 
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I bought a supernova off the EE and love it. It shoots everything no problem. I went with the supernova because of the shim kit and Comfortech stock. I use mine for hunting ducks, I wanted a semi but just couldn't afford the one I wanted so I got this one to at least to tie me over for a bit but I really like shooting it. They are easy to clean and are a great gun for hunting with.
 
Just bought a SuperNova in Max 4 camo for my oldest, last Saturday. $729 + very nice, and a very happy young man. I haven't spoke to anyone who was unhappy with their decision to buy a SuperNova.
 
Petamocto said:
Very useful, thank you. Is that drop because the 14" barrel is too short to generate any velocity, or would it be the same if I got an 18" barrel?

I was talking about rifled slugs, by the way. I'm not talking about hitting anything with a buck/bird shot from 100. I would only ever be shooting small game from much closer, but I'd like the deer-from-100 option for a rifled slug.
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drop due the slug . Also talking about rifled slugs. If you are looking for 100 yards plus a nice h&r slug gun for 300 is also a nice option. You can find rifled barrels but they are not cheap for a nova or super nova. Link had one for sale.
 
pbonura said:
drop due the slug . Also talking about rifled slugs. If you are looking for 100 yards plus a nice h&r slug gun for 300 is also a nice option. You can find rifled barrels but they are not cheap for a nova or super nova. Link had one for sale.
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Yes I see that the link has one for sale, but if I'm getting a 14" smooth barrel with it, if I were going to get a second rifled barrel I think I would want it to be longer than 18". I don't need the monster 26-28" barrels like some people on here are talking about, but 22-24" would be nice.
 
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