Rem 870 Express Tactical vs Benelli Super Nova Tactical
- Thread starter pepsicola
- Start date
I really love my Nova for hunting, as I previously stated but I've never found myself reloading at speed on a hunt.
I also had a Benelli M121 that I had the same problems with when it came to how I reloaded. I have smaller hands and found that my thumb kept getting jammed on speed reloads. I really would get caught (and I mean frakkin' trapped... like a 8-pound-gun-hanging-off-your-thumb-trapped!!) between the lifter and the back of the shell or follower. It hurt but it also made me reconsider the gun as a defensive or competition gun, especially if I was wearing gloves. It scared me that I could get jammed in there when I should be thinking about reloading or covering or firing.
I've also seen a very experienced and qualified shooter/professional who knows how to run guns (wicked police) have a huge frak up with his M4 that made me reconsider the merits of any Benelli as a police/military/defensive/competition gun. I tend to run my guns hard in training to determine how they will suit my former needs as an Leo and the needs of my current LEO /MIL clients but (unfortunately) they have often already adopted guns that I must work around in their training.
Like 7.62, I've run thousands of rounds through 870's (I'm close to 50 000 or more and I'm sure some of our skeet/trap shooters have many more).
I'm sold on the 870 platform. I've won 3 gun matches with one and love it but when the 590 came out I looked at the open loading gate idea and saw alot of merit in it (much like my Hi-Standard Riot 20-6) however, I'm hearing about reliability issues (read borken parts) both here amongst the competition crowd and from friends I have in US LEO circles. Another issue I have with the 590 is the length of throw for the fore-end, I have short arms and with the factory stock I'm reaching waaaaayyyy out there to get good contact with the fore-end to rack the action.. not cool in a world of short cops or soldiers and it also slows you down.
I have an offer to have a tricked out 590 for teaching (I buy the gun, another company mods it with their parts ) and I turned down modding my current 870. I might buy a 590 and let my sponsor trick it out but I am afraid it will crap out and I hate having that happen on a course because then I have to face the embarassment of explaining that I was running an untested firearm and my sponsor may be looked at unfavourably. I know it sounds petty but I will not run a gun in competition or training that I would not bet my life on or endorse that my MIL/LEO clients use to bet their lives on.
I've used an 870 in the field, in training and in competition and I will never sell mine. If another good SG comes along, I'll test it and make my own decisions.
And for those who are wondering... I would take a shotgun course from 7.62... that boy can shoot and I know I would come away with new techniques... 'nuff said?
I also had a Benelli M121 that I had the same problems with when it came to how I reloaded. I have smaller hands and found that my thumb kept getting jammed on speed reloads. I really would get caught (and I mean frakkin' trapped... like a 8-pound-gun-hanging-off-your-thumb-trapped!!) between the lifter and the back of the shell or follower. It hurt but it also made me reconsider the gun as a defensive or competition gun, especially if I was wearing gloves. It scared me that I could get jammed in there when I should be thinking about reloading or covering or firing.
I've also seen a very experienced and qualified shooter/professional who knows how to run guns (wicked police) have a huge frak up with his M4 that made me reconsider the merits of any Benelli as a police/military/defensive/competition gun. I tend to run my guns hard in training to determine how they will suit my former needs as an Leo and the needs of my current LEO /MIL clients but (unfortunately) they have often already adopted guns that I must work around in their training.
Like 7.62, I've run thousands of rounds through 870's (I'm close to 50 000 or more and I'm sure some of our skeet/trap shooters have many more).
I'm sold on the 870 platform. I've won 3 gun matches with one and love it but when the 590 came out I looked at the open loading gate idea and saw alot of merit in it (much like my Hi-Standard Riot 20-6) however, I'm hearing about reliability issues (read borken parts) both here amongst the competition crowd and from friends I have in US LEO circles. Another issue I have with the 590 is the length of throw for the fore-end, I have short arms and with the factory stock I'm reaching waaaaayyyy out there to get good contact with the fore-end to rack the action.. not cool in a world of short cops or soldiers and it also slows you down.
I have an offer to have a tricked out 590 for teaching (I buy the gun, another company mods it with their parts ) and I turned down modding my current 870. I might buy a 590 and let my sponsor trick it out but I am afraid it will crap out and I hate having that happen on a course because then I have to face the embarassment of explaining that I was running an untested firearm and my sponsor may be looked at unfavourably. I know it sounds petty but I will not run a gun in competition or training that I would not bet my life on or endorse that my MIL/LEO clients use to bet their lives on.
I've used an 870 in the field, in training and in competition and I will never sell mine. If another good SG comes along, I'll test it and make my own decisions.
And for those who are wondering... I would take a shotgun course from 7.62... that boy can shoot and I know I would come away with new techniques... 'nuff said?
Oh.. and 7.62... I'm sold on the Ghost Ring... and it can be used to shoot skeet and trap!
Heck, I've turkey hunted with great success with mine....
Hokus... I know for a fact the 7.62 knows his stuff on SG's!
Heck, I've turkey hunted with great success with mine....
Hokus... I know for a fact the 7.62 knows his stuff on SG's!
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I've heard that mentioned quite a few times here, but I've yet to see any rust on mine. I guess I must be lucky.
Those are some kind words Tritium, thank you!
I like the Ghost Rings for long distance shots, I would consider long distance as 20 yards plus with a shotgun. I have shot at Slug and Buckshot targets in competition where the Ghost Rings were a welcome addition. At the Pan Ams, there were Slug Targets at almost 100 yards, and Buckshot to 30-35 yards!
I do find myself spending too much time acquiring a sight picture on closer shots though, instead of instinctively point shooting, which equates to slower over all times, which does not please me! I as well have and do shoot Sporting Clays and Skeet when I get a chance with my 590, although I have had mine threaded for Rem Chokes, which gives me more options, especially for Sporting Clays!
I, unlike Tritium, don't use my firearms for work......I am a purely competitive/sport shooter, as such I take note when he talks about firearms and their reliability. I have had a couple parts break on my 590A1, but I have also had 870's with parts problems as well. Contrary to popular belief, a 590 does not work with one of the 2 extractors broken, as is sometimes talked and bandied about, on forums such as these!
I am also a sucker for punishment, so no one will talk me out of buying a Super Nova! I simply must have one to play around with myself!
Boy, did we ever get this thread turned sideways.....to the OP.....Sorry!
I like the Ghost Rings for long distance shots, I would consider long distance as 20 yards plus with a shotgun. I have shot at Slug and Buckshot targets in competition where the Ghost Rings were a welcome addition. At the Pan Ams, there were Slug Targets at almost 100 yards, and Buckshot to 30-35 yards!
I do find myself spending too much time acquiring a sight picture on closer shots though, instead of instinctively point shooting, which equates to slower over all times, which does not please me! I as well have and do shoot Sporting Clays and Skeet when I get a chance with my 590, although I have had mine threaded for Rem Chokes, which gives me more options, especially for Sporting Clays!
I, unlike Tritium, don't use my firearms for work......I am a purely competitive/sport shooter, as such I take note when he talks about firearms and their reliability. I have had a couple parts break on my 590A1, but I have also had 870's with parts problems as well. Contrary to popular belief, a 590 does not work with one of the 2 extractors broken, as is sometimes talked and bandied about, on forums such as these!
I am also a sucker for punishment, so no one will talk me out of buying a Super Nova! I simply must have one to play around with myself!
Boy, did we ever get this thread turned sideways.....to the OP.....Sorry!
Back on track!
Thanks 7.62!
So to get back to the original topic....
If it was me, I'd go for the Supernova Tactical. One of the cool things about Benelli pump guns is the rotating bolt head and when you fire, it seem to start to nudge the bolt back thus making for faster racking.
Now, I know some will argue that the 870 can be racked very fast (and it can) but the 870 will require a longer break in period.
And besides, this is the 21st century, the SuperNova just looks meaner!
Thanks 7.62!
So to get back to the original topic....
If it was me, I'd go for the Supernova Tactical. One of the cool things about Benelli pump guns is the rotating bolt head and when you fire, it seem to start to nudge the bolt back thus making for faster racking.
Now, I know some will argue that the 870 can be racked very fast (and it can) but the 870 will require a longer break in period.
And besides, this is the 21st century, the SuperNova just looks meaner!
I've heard that mentioned quite a few times here, but I've yet to see any rust on mine. I guess I must be lucky.
I had a rust issue on mine. I was lucky enough to catch it time! Buffed it out with fine steel wool and then oiled it down. Make sure you keep an eye on yours and don't put it away without cleaning/oiling it really well. I've never owned a firearm in my entire life that is this bad. Makes me wonder how cheap the metal really is.
Ok. Thanks for the heads up.
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some good info for new shotgun shooters keep it coming boys.
Like tritium , i have the same guns he has and have has the same issue, i love my m2 but loading it pisses me off.
The 590 is faster to reload , but id bet me life on any one of me 6 rem 870,s you can beat them stomp on them freese them and they come back for more.
bbb
Like tritium , i have the same guns he has and have has the same issue, i love my m2 but loading it pisses me off.
The 590 is faster to reload , but id bet me life on any one of me 6 rem 870,s you can beat them stomp on them freese them and they come back for more.
bbb
Regarding the M2 and "benelli thumb", I got myself an extended shell lifter and eliminated this issue.
if anyone is interested, look up c-rums.com
Good guy to deal with.
I think it was already mentioned, but the Supernova does not have this issue as the lifter locks up and out of the way, creating a ramp for you to load the shells in.
super fast.
In a competition scenario, one of the reasons the Supernova is my go to gun is that it is chambered for 3 1/2" shells.
What does this mean?
it means the loading and ejection ports are huge and I can jam shells into the gun way faster than with other guns I have tried.
There are one or two issues that the Supernova has, but I won't share those or their fixes just yet.
If I expect to give 7.62mm a run for his money in future shotgun competitions, I need a bit of an advantage!!!
Oh, and to the OP.
Express vs Benelli?
Hands down the Benelli.
If you are 100% wanting a Remington, do yourself a favour and get an older wingmaster, modify it to your liking and call it a day.
I had 2 express 870's and both were not up to my standards in terms of quality and functionality. Sold them very shortly after buying them
My 20+ year old wingmaster feels so much nicer and I have never had a problem with it.
just my opinion based in my experience.
if anyone is interested, look up c-rums.com
Good guy to deal with.
I think it was already mentioned, but the Supernova does not have this issue as the lifter locks up and out of the way, creating a ramp for you to load the shells in.
super fast.
In a competition scenario, one of the reasons the Supernova is my go to gun is that it is chambered for 3 1/2" shells.
What does this mean?
it means the loading and ejection ports are huge and I can jam shells into the gun way faster than with other guns I have tried.
There are one or two issues that the Supernova has, but I won't share those or their fixes just yet.
If I expect to give 7.62mm a run for his money in future shotgun competitions, I need a bit of an advantage!!!
Oh, and to the OP.
Express vs Benelli?
Hands down the Benelli.
If you are 100% wanting a Remington, do yourself a favour and get an older wingmaster, modify it to your liking and call it a day.
I had 2 express 870's and both were not up to my standards in terms of quality and functionality. Sold them very shortly after buying them
My 20+ year old wingmaster feels so much nicer and I have never had a problem with it.
just my opinion based in my experience.
ipscgraz
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I've heard that mentioned quite a few times here, but I've yet to see any rust on mine. I guess I must be lucky.
I was going to ask that...I had heard that the Express finish was prone to rust. No idea if that is true or not...yet.
I have a S&W 3000 (which is an 870 clone). I have to manually hold the slide all the way forward if I want any kind of fast reload.
If the benelli doesn't rust easily it might be worth a look.
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rocklobster
CGN Regular
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Get what feels and points the best in your hands.
For me it was the Nova, I was convinced on the 870 then the supernova but the SN felt more bulky around the receiver to me, the Nova just felt right. I am not knocking the others but the 590 and 870 express (in plastic) just felt cheap to me.
Plus I bought my Nova used in great condition for the price of an 870 express.
I have duck, deer, turkey, and grouse hunted the crap out of this fine firearm and it is great and has a good corrosion resistance.
I have never got 'stuck' in the reloading process as the ramp lifts out of the way after it is pushed up and stays there until you pump the action.
One problem I have run into is that aluminum especially from boats will leave light silver marks on the barrel when rubbed up against one another that I have not been able to get off. I emailed benelli usa about this problem and did not receive a response...
For me it was the Nova, I was convinced on the 870 then the supernova but the SN felt more bulky around the receiver to me, the Nova just felt right. I am not knocking the others but the 590 and 870 express (in plastic) just felt cheap to me.
Plus I bought my Nova used in great condition for the price of an 870 express.
I have duck, deer, turkey, and grouse hunted the crap out of this fine firearm and it is great and has a good corrosion resistance.
I have never got 'stuck' in the reloading process as the ramp lifts out of the way after it is pushed up and stays there until you pump the action.
One problem I have run into is that aluminum especially from boats will leave light silver marks on the barrel when rubbed up against one another that I have not been able to get off. I emailed benelli usa about this problem and did not receive a response...
rocklobster
CGN Regular
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- FREEDOM CONVOY
Thanks Dsiwy
I will try it. I guess this is the only firearm that I bring near aluminum hence the isolated problem and thinking that it was Benelli's fault.
Forgive me for I will never fault the Benelli again!
I will try it. I guess this is the only firearm that I bring near aluminum hence the isolated problem and thinking that it was Benelli's fault.
Forgive me for I will never fault the Benelli again!
SuperNova for sure... 870 works, but it's old technology, heavy and crudely made (i.e. cheap; all Express's made in the last decade anyway)... oh yeah, and they are prone to rust.
Aside from the more modern Benelli design, the use of aluminum and plastics, it will also have a chrome lined barrel that will gleam like a mirror, for that reason alone I'd go with the Benelli.
Aside from the more modern Benelli design, the use of aluminum and plastics, it will also have a chrome lined barrel that will gleam like a mirror, for that reason alone I'd go with the Benelli.
Never fired the nova but have held one and it is tight and clean. I bought the 870 Tactical and for the price it is a nice package.
But stock it still needs some love so be prepared to upgrade.
I put on it.
VangComp stainless follower( Msut upgrade the rem cheap plastic follower is junk and a weak point in the system)
VangComp jumbo safty is great anyone with a jumbo saftey will agree so easy the push to fire.
Mesa Sidsadle 6 round
Hogue overmolded 12"LOP stock and forend
total cost was around $700 and is a great shotty but there is one prob the finish is crap and will rust.
Casey at TacOrd gave me a tip> if you get it wet just let it dry completly befor cleaning or oiling. if you oil it and there is any water res still around the oil will trap the water in the black oxide coating and rust even with oil on it.
But stock it still needs some love so be prepared to upgrade.
I put on it.
VangComp stainless follower( Msut upgrade the rem cheap plastic follower is junk and a weak point in the system)
VangComp jumbo safty is great anyone with a jumbo saftey will agree so easy the push to fire.
Mesa Sidsadle 6 round
Hogue overmolded 12"LOP stock and forend
total cost was around $700 and is a great shotty but there is one prob the finish is crap and will rust.
Casey at TacOrd gave me a tip> if you get it wet just let it dry completly befor cleaning or oiling. if you oil it and there is any water res still around the oil will trap the water in the black oxide coating and rust even with oil on it.
love the gun but it does rust. already have $700 into it and right now can't justify another $250 for teflon coating. Maybe later after she is banged up more than it is now. Remington also has this model in grey powder coat finish and it flakes off so they say..
