Supernova or KS7

[TravAce]

hey boys, looking at adding a shorty pump to the safe, looking at higher end models, around 1000 give or take a few hundred. max 14 inch barrel (i know the ks7 in longer but its bullpup)
the short supernovas and KS7 really caught my eye. reports I've seen all rate them well, and apparently they both feed mini shells better then Mossbergs or 870s, also the supernova can load up to 3.5 shells, can acquire longer barrels and tube extensions, but the ks7 is downward ejecting, a positive for a lefty like me, and i get a much longer barrel without sacrificing length.
anybody wanna chime in on there experiences with either platform? or have any other recommendations for a solid high end short barreled pump?
had an itch for a Dlask, but cant get ahold of em to enquire about them, so the itch has died down somewhat.
of course pictures of your guys rigs are always welcome!

 

[Daver_II]

I have both. Definitely recommend the supernova.
The KS7 is a bit rough. Kicks like a mule, is slower for follow up shots, and nowhere near as refined.

The supernova is more comfortable. Much softer shooting. And definitely my choice in almost any circumstance.

Another point is that the sight's on the supernova are excellent. And I have no trouble grouping slugs to surprising accuracy.

 

[TravAce]

yeah Ive heard nothing but good things about the supernova, glad to have had someone that can do a direct comparison. I do have a thing for slugs, so if the Benelli handles them better and with better sights I think I might have my choice made.
thanks for the imput!

 

[bWONGER]

+1 for benelli

 

[Cheezz]

Can't go wrong with a Benelli, but if short barrel shotguns are your thing I would also look at Fabarm. A 11 inch STF12 is a nice piece of kit.

 

[TravAce]

How does Fabarm stack up to Benelli? STF12 seems a little out of my price range but more importantly I can't find them, but the Martial would be my next bet, how does the Martial Stack up to the supernova?

 

[Daver_II]

Hey TravAce, I had a bit more time to formulate a response to your Benelli vs KS7 question, so here are my observations:


Benelli Pros:
- Italian Quality in both manufacture and materials, polymer feels high quality, and there are no sharp edges.
- nice ghost ring sights, easy to use, and consistent at distance.
- stock is adjustable, and locks firmly
- recoil pad works very effectively.
- pump mechanism and pistol grip is comfortable, and suitable for larger hands.
- reliable, cycles every thing I have ever loaded.
- well balanced, both loaded and unloaded.
- stock collapsed is able to store easily.
- can interchange barrels for other purposes

Cons:
- minimal aftermarket accessories, (though side saddles, and light mounts are available.... no other mods are really necessary)
- tube capacity is limited (easy to top up , and realistically shouldn't need more than three shells from a fun/defence shotgun)
- no chokes possible.



KS7 Pros:
- High round capacity
- very small and light package.
- more modification possible (choke adapter, recoil pad/extender, top rail, mlok)

KS7 Cons:
- fixed LOP, (can be modified with extender or recoil pad
- too light/uncomfortable to shoot.
- less comfortable ergonomics.
- factory sights are..... terrible. (single point front "bead?" triangle, not consistant at distance)
- parts are hard to source.
- sharp edges on some plastic parts.
- not as easy to load (the manual of arms is not too hard to get, but rather the loading port is a bit finicky and tough to do quickly)

*** very harsh recoil on heavy loads.... only shotgun I have ever fired that I didnt want to empty the tube***
- I am 270 lbs and 6'2", and will gladly run dozens, of not hundreds of shells through the supernova.... the KS7? I stopped at 5...



My Benelli is my go-to shotgun, for many reasons, but the KS7 has a specific purpose for me that I am building it to suit.

I am adding a choke adapter, and KS7 extender recoil pad, and hopefully a top rair with better sights, for a very lightweight hunting gun for thick bush (rabbits).
wont need to be shot often, but the small size and light weight will be nice to carry through the thick bush. (Im a big guy... so its hard enough to get myself through... and the full size gun I use now doesnt help.

the storage size is not that far off (benelli collapsed, and KS7 with choke adapter and recoil pad (I have yet to find)) and practical use size the benelli feels more composed.

Additionally, the benelli gives you a bit further out to reach for hand position, and I find that to be much more controllable during firing/aiming and allows me faster follow up shots, and more control of the muzzle.


I would definitely recommend the Benelli, and not the KS7.

 

[TravAce]

Daver_II thank you for the more in-depth comparison! The Benelli is looking better and better by the second!

 

[Butcherbill]

Another vote for Fabarm, have used the 20” Sdass a lot over the years and it’s right up there in quality to any of the other Italian made shotguns. The 14” martial is the same action as the longer barreled Sdass, you just have a shorter mag tube and barrel.

On a side note as a lefty using a standard right hand pump is in no way a detriment to you, in fact it’s easier to manipulate and load shells. Your support hand is already on the loading port side, you don’t have to take your left hand off the pistol grip and trigger or reach over/under to port load. Bottom eject can’t be port loaded or topped up like a side loaded/ejected gun, only the position of the safety is more RH friendly on most guns but even that is t a big deal with jumbo safety’s and some practice.