Stoeger P-350 vs Benelli Nova

Jason Forrest

Jason Forrest

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I am considering a Benelli Nova Pump, but people are telling me they are basically the Stoeger P-350 with a different name. The couple people I know with P-350's are very disappointed with them, and do not recommend them. In fact the local Stoeger rep has been calling the P-350 a poorly built gun, and my gunsmith agrees.

So, if the Nova and the P-350 are virtually the same gun, why would I spend $120 more to buy the Nova if it is equally as weak as the P-350?

Can anyone explain the differences between the Nova and the P-350 to me?

thanks
 
I have a Benelli Supernova and let me tell you, this thing is amazing. While I can't say anything for the stoeger I can tell you if you pick up a Benelli you will NOT be disappointed. I've put well over a thousand rounds through my gun and she's never had a single problem.
Take down and cleaning is a breeze, you can disassemble the entire gun without using a single tool.
Do yourself a huge favour and pony up the cash for the Benelli, I can guarantee you'll never need another pump gun.
 
Pick both of them up and you'll see that the nova is not the same as the stoeger. The P-350 felt like a toy, the plastic feels worst that some airsoft guns. The pump handle was also sticky on the 350.

The nova has a much slicker action, and while still mostly plastic, doesnt feel as flimsy as the stoeger. I think it's 120 well spent.
 
sherlockbonez said:
Pick both of them up and you'll see that the nova is not the same as the stoeger. The P-350 felt like a toy, the plastic feels worst that some airsoft guns. The pump handle was also sticky on the 350.

The nova has a much slicker action, and while still mostly plastic, doesnt feel as flimsy as the stoeger. I think it's 120 well spent.
Click to expand...

x2. They may look the same, but they most definitely are not.
 
Is it not true that Stoeger and Benelli are "in bed together" and share the same technology?

Stoeger advertises the fact that they have "Benelli style" parts in some of their guns.

Is this the same situation as Lincoln dressing up Ford vehicles, when the underlying parts are the same?
 
I've got a P-350 with probably 2000rounds though, and my buddy has a Benelli Nova that I've shot quite a bit as well. I'd say they are on par with each other as far as actual shooting. ****By on par I mean I hit about the same % with each gun*****

The Benelli is a nicer gun. It cycles much smoother, the bolt locks in place better, and the "goose load" button is a nice touch.

That being said, there are a few things I like much better about my P-350 vs the Nova. The P-350 is much easier to disassemble. Unscrew the end of the the magazine, and everything slides out nice and easy. The bolt is simple to disassemble, and comes out on a nice neat "try" attached to the slide. Plus the plug is simple to swap in and out, it's just a rod that sticks into the mag(5sec to put in/out).

The Nova in theory comes apart the same way, unscrew the end of the mag and everything comes out. But because the Nova has 2(not connected) rails that the bolt sits on, I find it more of a pain in the butt to get the bolt in and out. Plus the plug is a pain to take out(although this may not be an issue for you if you're just hunting).

I also personally like the slide better on the P-350, it fits my hand better than the Nova slide(just too big).

The biggest problem I have with my Nova is the bolt locking in place. Even with target loads the rotating bolt doesn't work very well. If I don't have a firm grip on the slide it will tend to open itself, which usually leads to en ejection problem. It also doesn't like to be cycled extremely quickly.

While I'm not sure I'd get another one over a Benelli (I want a new supernova!), I'm very happy with the gun. Its never given me issues that arn't very simply solved, and it was cheap, which means more $$$ for ammo.
 
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They are definately not "on par" with eachother. From working in a gun store i can't even count how many stoegers i've had come back, including the p-350. Think about it this way... its basically like that car that kia put out that was supposed to look like the subaru... ask yourself which one you'd rather own haha. Sure there might be the odd lucky guy out there who doesn't get a lemon from stoeger, but i'd say you'd be lucky to get a year out of it, that is if it fires the first time you shoot it. No point in saving $$$ for ammo by buying the stoeger if you won't be able to shoot the thing because its off for warranty.

You could also just avoid the debate completely and go with a Browning BPS. amazing shotgun, for even less price than the nova. From my experience the nova is around $520, you could get a brand new Browning BPS for $479. Obviously both prices go up if you want camo. Pick them up side by side and i bet you'll find the action and quallity in the Browning even nicer than the Benelli.

But don't get me wrong, in Benelli their semi's are the BEST! would love to get my hands on a super black eagle II
 
No time for an essay tonight but i've been down the same road you're on and done some extensive fondling.

Get the Nova or Super Nova.
Quality is way better than any pump i have handled. (well next to the Fabarm me thinks;))
 
Both Benelli and Stoeger are owned by the same $$money$$. Stoeger is licensed to make parts that are exclusive to Benelli. The thing to remember is that they are licensed by Benelli, but not made by Benelli, and certainly not guaranteed by Benelli. On a quiet day go to any gun shop and compare a Benelli to a Stoeger including disassembly. Draw your own conclusion. My conclusion is that Stoeger is a knock off, albeit one that is knocked of with permision. After all both companies are owned by the same $$money$$. Dollar for dollar you will get better value with Benelli.
 
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