Benelli Nova SP or Mossberg 500 synthetic slug?

[Jasonb]

Hi guys,

I just found this site, and was so impressed that I thought I'd join. Here's my situation:

I need a deer gun, and my police supply shop has a demo Nova Tac 18.5 smooth bore with rifle sights for $275. Dicks sporting goods has Mossberg 500's with synthetic stocks, rifle sights and rifled barrels for $199. I'm concerned about slug availability and being able to reach out to 100 or so yards with the Nova. I was going to get the 500 until I saw the Nova, and it called to me. What would you guys suggest?

Thanks, Jason

 

[MrMurphy]

I have a ghost ring sighted Nova SP and at 100 yards from the prone I can do headshots on a silhouette. I use Remington Reduced Recoil slugs. The Mossberg is also excellent. If the Nova fits you, good, because you can't change the stock like on a Mossberg.

 

[GrayBear]

I'd do the Mossy -

The Mossy's new not used. It will have a probably un-needed warranty, just in case. This is, per your post, a deer hunting gun, not something to show off on the range.

There's cheap special purpose barrels for thhe Mossy, too. I have one. It's not a gun to brag on but it's a bunch of shotgun for the money.

JMHO

GrayBear

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome, Jason. Either will do what you want. Handle and if possible shoot both and get the one that speaks to you...

 

[erik the bold]

I'm concerned about slug availability and being able to reach out to 100 or so yards with the Nova.

I'd prefer the Mossberg as well. I have two, a 20ga 500 and a 12 ga 835 with the standard, ported, rifled barrels. Both are well capable of producing 2-3" groups at 100 yards using Lightfield 2-3/4" sabot slugs. These sabots are available at most sporting good stores. Dunhams stores in your area (http://www.dunhamssports.com/corp/index.jsp?page=storeLocator&state=OH) have had them on sale lately, cheaper than buying from the large wholesalers. You might want to check Dunham's on price as well. They usually will match or beat any local prices.

You might want to look at the Mossy with the cantlievered (integrated) scope mount instead of the rifle sights, and add a nice shotty scope!

Best of luck chasing that tail (whitetail, that is....)