Nova vs Supernova advice

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lospico

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Guys, I’m getting what is pretty much my first shotgun.
I’ve been involved in the shooting sports for 15 years, but not the shotgun shooting sports :) .
I have a lightly customized (Armor Tuff finish, Knoxx stock, tritum bead ) 870 express for home defense, but that is it.

This will be my first hunting shotgun. It will be mostly upland doves, with the occasional duck hunt.

Locally this consists mostly of Blue Wing Teals. I also want to try skeet, trap, etc.

I’m leaning towards Benelli because of weather resistance, I live in Puerto Rico, and to call the local weather humid is an understatement. My 870 Express required more care than my dog until I refinished it. I also like the idea of the fiber optic front sight.

I am undecided between a Benelli Supernova, or a Nova in either 12 or 20 g.

Please give me your opinions on what your choice would be and why.
I hear the Nova “rattles”. Does the Supernova too?

Please no flame wars, just a new shotgunner asking for advice.

Thanks in advance guys.
 
I have a nova. I have never heard a rattle. I did have to put slip on butt pad on, the original plastic was pretty hard. Overall, 100% satisfied.
 
No rattles on current Novas.

IMO:

1. The ComfortTech stock is not a big plus for the Super Nova because a Limbsaver is more effective.

2. The ability to interchange buttstock is not a big plus for the Super Nova because replacements are so expensive (in most cases - you could get lucky).

3. The ability to change shims to adjust the buttstock might be a big plus, depending on how the gun fits you out of the box. If the Nova fits, IMO it is a better value.
 
Do the laws prohibit semi's?? For your applications, I would suggest a look at the Benelli semi's unless gun control says no. While the inertia system isn't as great a felt recoil reducer like a gas gun, it does help compared to a pump, and if you're talking dove hunting and waterfowl with those shoulder-thumping non-tox loads, it might be a better gun. Of course, the new Beretta X-plor A 400 Unico is designed for everything from 2-3/4 to 3-1/2
 
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either to you. I have a Nova 12 ga with Limbsaver pad and recoil reducer that I use for ducks and geese. I love it for waterfowl hunting. I did use it on a dove hunt last year with decent results.
 
Do the laws prohibit semi's?? For your applications, I would suggest a look at the Benelli semi's unless gun control says no.
Click to expand...

No prob with gun control, a bit with credit card control. :D

The reason I want to go pump is 1. Price, 2. Similarity to home defense gun.

I'm thinking of getting a semiauto down the road. Might get the Nova in 20 g and then get a semi in 12 g. Beretta Extrema2 seems nice, or maybe a Benelli M2.

Thank you very much for the advice guys, please keep it coming.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either to you. I have a Nova 12 ga with Limbsaver pad and recoil reducer that I use for ducks and geese. I love it for waterfowl hunting. I did use it on a dove hunt last year with decent results.
Click to expand...

Does the limbsaver pad add much in the way of LoP?

Should I get a short stock if I want to add a Limbsaver?

Sorry if the questions seem silly, really new to shotguns.
 
I'm thinking about the super-nova because of the larger trigger guard for those cold mornings you have gloves on during a duck hunt.
 
Does the limbsaver pad add much in the way of LoP?

Should I get a short stock if I want to add a Limbsaver?

Sorry if the questions seem silly, really new to shotguns.
Click to expand...

That would depend on what comes on the gun you get - if it already has a recoil pad, then you might want to try it out before changing it - you might like it. If not, then depending on how thick one is versus the other, it might change the LOP. If adding it would make it too long, then the stock would need some modification
 
i have a nova no rattels it is a very high quality gun 100% satisified but it does not go out in the feild anymore since i bought a franchi variomax semi auto you cant go wrong with the nova for a pump shotgun
 
Teal and Dove are both small, nimble birds. I'd go with a 20ga gun of whatever name brand you like.

Of your listed choices, I'd go with the Nova.

I have an Ithaca 37 Ultrafeatherlite in 20ga that is a deathray on doves. The 20 ga is more than adequate for even the largest ducks inside 40 yards.
 
I aquired the shotgun as it sits. I can say that it is softer recoiling than my friends Supernova using the same loads. Remember that the Super has that recoil managing stock on it from the factory. The LOP is actually better on it than my Mossberg 500 with synthetic stock and limbsaver. The stock on the Nova is contoured well and just seems to fit me. The best thing you could do is try it out. Measure the factory recoil pad, and then look up the specs on the limbsaver unit. My bet is that they will be very close.

I will also agree that the Nova is a heavy gun...perhaps a bit too heavy for dove and teal. I am 6'2 and 275# and I can make the gun work for me for anything. However, a lighter gun would be so much more enjoyable to use when shooting clays, skeet, or smaller, faster birds. Not trying to talk you out of them. Just advising you to closer evaluate your choices. :)
 
The ability to interchange buttstock is not a big plus for the Super Nova because replacements are so expensive (in most cases - you could get lucky)
Click to expand...
Wait until you break the Nova stock at the wrist (which I've seen/heard of twice now) and you're told that replacements are NINE MONTHS backordered with no recourse but to wait for the OEM unit because it's all one piece.

I'm a fan of the SuperNova over the Nova specifically because of the issues that have been reported with the one-piece contruction of the Nova.
 
Thank you SO much for the replies guys.

Ordered the Nova in 20 g. Should be here next week.

The weight sealed the deal, 6.6 lbs vs 8 lbs.

I'll probably get a semi auto in 12g later.

Again, thank you very much for the advice.
 
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