Help choose 12 gauge shotgun

sledman8002002 said:
Personally, I think everyone who hasn't shot a 3 1/2" load from a pump should borrow one from someone who has one...just for one shot. I think if you did a consensus, it's my opinion that 7 out of 10 would walk away knowing they won't ever really have a need to shoot said loads. Like Rob replied, "leave the 3 1/2" at the store". Woolly replied, "people have been getting their limits with 2 3/4" loads for decades". I concur. (Although I do use 3" with heavy loads for predator hunting a few times a year)
I'm not much for the nova, mostly because of fit and overall appeal. The 870 (Express, Wingmaster and 1100's) Remingtons always fit me right out of the box. I have and like the BPS alot as well, but generally have to shorten the LOP a hair for proper fit. (From previous postings, you obviously have noted how fit is important).
Big plus to the 870 is the variety of barrels available that can be picked up at a reasonable price to basically make the shotgun you're "do-all" firearm. Accessories abound. Browning has quite a few barrel offerings also. The nova, I don't know?
By now, you may have been to a gun shop and handled your mentioned models. Try going to a local clay games range if you get the chance. Explain you're dilema to the members and I'm sure you will get the opportunity to then do some field testing. (This time of year, there is usually a greater variety of shotguns on the racks). You'll then have a much better inkling into what suits you and what you want in a shotgun.
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Gospel.:cool:
 
Ardent said:
One thing to note is that 3 1/2" shells really aren't more effective than 3". The shot column in flight with magnum loads has been chrono'd at 25 to 30 feet long if I remember the article correctly. Basically, anything past a square load (shot column in the loaded, unfired shell is as tall as it is wide [bore diameter]). That represents a standard 2 3/4" load with 1oz of steel shot, 1 1/8th oz of lead for upland. A 3" steel load is better for waterfowl than a 2 3/4", but only marginally as much of the shot pattern's wasted compared to a squarer load. By the time you get to 3 1/2", it's a case of diminishing returns. I can guarantee there's nothing a 3 1/2" load can do a 3" can't.
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You have to factor in that the Brownings and I believe the Benellis are over bored, they will give better performance than the Remington with 31/2inch shells .
 
A fair point, might bring a 3" to 'square', but I'm still not convinced of the 3 1/2" utility for birds. In Africa, my PH carried a 3 1/2" chambered Mossberg for tracking down leopards, and I can see its purpose there with massive loads of buckshot. Even he admitted he never used 3 1/2" shells however, always just loading 3" buck, and 2 3/4" for birds.
 
First of all, thanks for all the replies, I learned a LOT!

I had some luck the in Exchange forum and was able to get a "like new" Benelli Nova at a good price. I didn't had the chance to see it or touch it before buying but the deal was there and I snatched it.

Can't wait to shoot it!
 
BerSerK said:
First of all, thanks for all the replies, I learned a LOT!

I had some luck the in Exchange forum and was able to get a "like new" Benelli Nova at a good price. I didn't had the chance to see it or touch it before buying but the deal was there and I snatched it.

Can't wait to shoot it!
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Great choice! The Nova is a very well built shotgun. I would take it over any of the others mentioned. (except the Super Nova that is):)
Enjoy.
 
Actually, that's the way to do it. Buy a shotgun, ANY shotgun, and go out and use it. Learn about it and see what you like and dislike. Experience is the best teacher. It's a gun, if you're not happy with it sell it and try another.
 
Received the gun today, did not shoot it yet but I can confirm that the pump arm "rattle" is minimal and can be diminish/tuned with the two allen screw on each side of the pump.

Adjusting those screws will change rattle and pumping smoothness.

Will report back when I shoot it this weekend!
 
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