870 vs Nova

[Buckley99]

I'm looking for a durable 12g pump that I can take down to the coast for duck hunting. I've got an SBEII but prefer not to use it around saltwater.

I had an 870 for 10+ years and put it through just about everything with zero issues. That said, I hear great things about the Benelli Nova.

Opinions on the 870 vs the Nova?

[okrattler]

I have both and really like both. I use the Nova more than anything else I have probably. For sure I do bird huntin.

[Preacher Man]

I've duck hunted in the salt for 15 years with the same 870 and I can't kill that gun and it has never failed me.

[Quackerbox]

If you can find an 870 built before about 1985 or 87 do that.
If not Nova.

I just took a 2 day combat shotgun class with my supernova. The other 4 attendees had 870s. 3 had issues. Im in no way a benelli fan the nova is the only benelli I own. My bird guns are all berettas or O/U

[Gunnyart]

Shot a Nova for 3Gun comp's for about 8 years. Never had an issue.

[Buckley99]

Is the Nova as easy to break down as the 870? I loved the security of being able to break the 870 down in the field if I had to. Only had to do it twice in 10+ years but we were covered up in birds both times and I was thankful I didn't have to sit out and watch my buddies tear it up without me.

[DapperDan]

Nova! ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! Mine has been a beast for 12 years and I've abused it! Easy to break down and clean, will handle any and all loads, (I've shot them all) and just flat out reliable!


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[teamtejas]

870 is the strongest shotgun ever made..........

[TacticalCowboy]

Nova

[DapperDan]

870 is the strongest shotgun ever made..........

Must not have ever owned a nova.... I've beat down brush with it, used it for a paddle, dropped it, kicked it, purposely thrown it in the mud and water when it wouldn't shoot where I was aiming (bc we both know it wasn't my fault [emoji23] ) picked it up and kept cycling shells. It a beast! Just get the camo dipped one and roll on!

Oh, hunted in dry dusty peanut fields and never had an issue.


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[Gummi Bear]

I've shot 870's since I was big enough to heft a shotgun.

I have 2 of them. The old Wingmaster is perfect. Wouldn't change a thing about it.

My super mag, I had to tear down and polish and deburr almost every part in it. It went from being sketchy, to super reliable and smooth as silk.

My buddy has a Nova, I don't like it. It feels cheap, and flimsy. That is just my opinion. Not sure if it was a bad year for them, or maybe he didn't take really good care of it.

I am not sure what I would buy new today. I'd look at a new Nova, a Winchester, and old 870's. I think someone is making the old Ithaca again. They are a tried and true design.


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[snappertapper]

Both are reliable pumps. I'd go with whichever feels/looks better when you shoulder it.

[2050z]

Love my two 870's. No experience with the Nova.

[buckwild17]

870

[gscout01]

I have both and love them both. But i shoot the Nova a lot better and it is my go to bird gun. Id say shoot both and pick the one that fits you best.